It’s not uncommon to see passengers in vehicles adopting various comfortable positions during long drives. One such habit is placing one’s feet on the dashboard of a car.
While it may seem like a harmless and relaxed posture, there are significant reasons why you shouldn’t do this as a shotgun passenger.
Safety hazards
Placing your feet on the dashboard can pose a severe safety risk, particularly in the event of a collision. Airbags are designed to deploy rapidly in case of an accident, providing crucial protection to occupants. However, if your feet are resting on the dashboard, the force of the airbag’s deployment can lead to catastrophic injuries. The impact from the airbag can cause severe trauma to your legs, knees and even your face.
Additionally, resting your feet on the dashboard may compromise the effectiveness of seatbelts. In a collision, seatbelts are your primary defense against injury by restraining your body and preventing you from being thrown forward. However, when your feet are elevated on the dashboard, it can alter your seating position and diminish the seatbelt’s ability to secure you properly. This increases the likelihood of sustaining severe injuries during a crash, as the force of impact is not adequately distributed across your body.
Orthopedic risks
In the event of a sudden stop or collision, having your feet on the dashboard puts you at a higher risk of sustaining leg injuries. The force generated during impact can cause your legs to forcefully thrust towards your chest, leading to fractures, dislocations or severe soft tissue damage. Even minor accidents can result in significant harm if your legs are not properly positioned and secured within the vehicle.
While placing your feet on the dashboard of a car may seem innocuous, it poses significant risks to your safety and health. You can mitigate these hazards as a shotgun passenger in a vehicle by adhering to proper seating etiquette.
