Riding in the passenger seat with feet propped up on the dashboard might feel comfortable on a long drive, but it is far from safe. This position can put passengers at significant risk of severe injury if a crash occurs. Many people do not realize how dangerous it can be until it is too late.
The most immediate danger comes from airbags. Modern vehicles are equipped with airbags designed to deploy at speeds of 100 to 220 miles per hour in the event of a collision. Airbags are meant to protect passengers sitting in a standard upright position with their feet on the floor. When someone is reclining or has their legs stretched out on the dashboard, the deployment force can cause catastrophic harm. The knees or legs may be thrust backward toward the passenger’s face or chest, potentially resulting in broken bones, severe facial injuries or even spinal damage.
In addition to airbag-related injuries, sitting in this position can leave a passenger improperly restrained by their seatbelt. A seatbelt is designed to distribute crash forces across the strongest parts of the body—the chest, hips and shoulders—when the person is seated normally. With feet on the dash, the belt may sit incorrectly, increasing the risk of internal injuries, head trauma or ejection from the seat.
The bottom line
Crashes are unpredictable, and even minor collisions can cause serious injuries when someone is seated in a dangerous position. A sudden stop or side impact could cause the legs to twist unnaturally or slam into hard surfaces. Recovery from such injuries can be long, painful and costly.
The safest way for passengers to travel is upright with both feet on the floor, seatbelt secured and back against the seat. Even short trips can turn dangerous in seconds, and taking a relaxed but unsafe posture is never worth the risk. By sitting properly, passengers can help to better ensure that a car’s safety features work as intended and that they are protected as much as possible in the event of a crash.