Why You Should Never Put Your Feet on the Dashboard of a Car

Although it may be comfortable to rest your feet on the dashboard during a long car ride, doing so can pose significant risks to your safety in the event of an accident. The airbags in a car will deploy after a collision with a rigid object at only 10-12 mph for unbelted occupants and 16 mph for belted occupants in a vehicle. When a car’s airbags deploy, they do so within less than 1/20th of a second at a velocity of 110 to 200 mph.

Due to the immense speed and force of airbags deploying during a crash, having your feet on the dashboard can lead to devastating injuries. The sudden deployment can cause severe trauma to your legs, hips, or pelvis, and potentially force your knees into your face, resulting in additional injuries. Furthermore, sitting in this position diminishes the seatbelt’s ability to protect you effectively, increasing your vulnerability in a crash.

Why Riding With Your Feet on the Dashboard is Risky

Riding with your feet on the dashboard might seem harmless, but it introduces a range of significant risks that could jeopardize your safety during an accident. This position compromises the design and functionality of vital safety features, multiplying the danger in the event of a crash. Here’s why:

• Airbag Injuries: Airbags are designed to deploy rapidly to protect passengers, but having your feet on the dashboard puts your lower body in the direct path of this force.
• Reduced Seatbelt Effectiveness: Seatbelts work best when you’re seated upright, and a proper sitting posture ensures that the belt restrains your torso effectively. When your legs are elevated, the seatbelt cannot function as intended, leaving you more exposed to injury.
• Impaired Emergency Reaction Time: Sitting with your feet up not only restricts your ability to react quickly in emergencies but can also limit your stability in sudden vehicle movements, increasing your chances of being injured.
• Additional Risks: This posture may also result in your knees being forced into your face during a collision, leading to facial trauma or other serious injuries. Additionally, it increases the likelihood of being thrown out of position entirely in the event of an impact.

Injuries Passengers Risk When Riding With Your Feet on the Dashboard in a Crash

Passengers who ride with their feet on the dashboard are at a significantly higher risk of severe injuries during even a minor a crash due to the sudden and powerful deployment of airbags. This unsafe riding position makes the body vulnerable to a range of traumatic injuries caused by the forceful impact of the collision combined with the airbag’s deployment.

Below are some of the most common injuries sustained by passengers riding with their feet on the dashboard of a car at the time of an accident:

• Leg Fractures and Dislocations: The force of the airbag can shatter bones in the legs or dislocate joints, particularly the knees, hips, and ankles.
• Pelvic Injuries: The position of the legs on the dashboard places extreme stress on the pelvis, often causing fractures or severe trauma.
• Facial and Head Trauma: Knees can be violently driven into the face or head, resulting in broken facial bones, concussions, or traumatic brain injuries.
• Spinal Column Injuries: The unnatural posture during a crash increases the likelihood of spinal column damage, including vertebral fractures, facet joint injuries, or nerve damage.
• Soft Tissue Damage: Ligaments and muscles in the legs and hips can suffer tears or other significant injuries due to the abnormal force exerted during the impact.

These injuries highlight the importance of always sitting in the correct position in a car, with feet firmly on the floor and seatbelts securely fastened while riding or driving. As a cautionary tale, listen to the story of Audra Tatum from Chickamauga, Georgia, for proof why you should never ride with your feet on the dashboard of a car.

Is Having My Feet on the Dash Illegal in Texas?

No, it is not illegal to ride with your feet on the dashboard of a car in Texas. Texas law does not have a specific statute addressing this exact behavior; however, certain related rules can come into play.

For instance, Texas Transportation Code Section 545.412 requires passengers, particularly children, to be properly secured. Additionally, riding with your feet on the dashboard could be considered reckless or irresponsible behavior, especially if it distracts the driver or impacts the safe operation of the vehicle. For these reasons, sitting correctly in the vehicle is always the safest and most responsible choice.

Can I Be Held Liable for Injuries in an Accident in Texas if I Was Sitting Improperly?

Yes, you can potentially be held liable for injuries in an accident if you were sitting improperly. Under Texas’s comparative negligence laws, your ability to recover compensation for your injuries can be reduced or even barred depending on your level of fault in the incident. If it is determined that your improper seating position – such as riding with your feet on the dashboard – contributed to the severity of your injuries, this could affect the amount and types of personal injury damages you are eligible to receive.

For example, if you were found to be 30% at fault for your own injuries because your improper seating position exacerbated the harm, your recovery would be reduced by 30%. However, Texas uses a “modified comparative negligence” standard, which means if you are found to be more than 51% at fault, you would not be able to recover any compensation.

Do the Same Negligence Laws Apply in Other States?

Outside of Texas, the rules regarding fault and compensation can vary by state. Some states follow a “pure comparative negligence” system, where you can recover damages even if you are 99% at fault, though your compensation would be reduced by your percentage of fault.

Other states use a “contributory negligence” rule, which is much stricter. Under this system, if you are found to have contributed to your injuries in any way – even just 1% – you may be barred from recovering any compensation. It’s important to understand the specific negligence laws of the state where the accident occurred, as they significantly impact your ability to receive damages.

Discover the Correct Sitting Posture for Car Travel

Proper sitting posture is essential to ensure both your safety and comfort while traveling in a car. Adopting the correct position can significantly reduce the risk of injury in an accident. Here are some key guidelines to follow for optimal sitting posture in a vehicle:

• Sit Upright: Your back should be straight and fully supported by the seatback. Avoid slouching, as it can compromise the effectiveness of seatbelts and airbags.
• Face Forward: Always keep your head facing forward and avoid twisting your neck or body while the vehicle is in motion. This position ensures that your seatbelt and headrest function properly to protect you in the event of a collision.
• Adjust the Headrest: Position the headrest so that the back of your head is centered on it, reducing the risk of whiplash in a collision.
• Feet Firmly on the Floor: Keep both feet flat on the floor or the footrest. Avoid crossing your legs or placing your feet on the dashboard.
• Seatbelt Placement: Ensure the seatbelt lies across your chest and shoulders, not your neck, and the lap belt remains snug across your hips, not your stomach.
• Maintain a Safe Distance: Adjust your seat so that you’re a comfortable distance from the steering wheel or dashboard, generally at least 10-12 inches, to allow airbags to deploy safely.
• Two-Finger Gap: Ensure there is a two-finger gap between the edge of the seat and the back of your knees. This prevents restricted blood flow and provides better comfort during long drives, reducing the likelihood of fatigue.

What to Do If You’re Injured in an Accident While Your Feet Were on the Dashboard

If you’ve been injured in an accident with your feet on the dashboard, it’s crucial to act quickly. Seek medical attention, document the scene, report the accident, and avoid speaking with insurance adjusters without legal advice. Contact Thompson Law for a FREE CONSULTATION to ensure you get the compensation you deserve. Don’t wait – call our Texas accident attorneys and get the support you need today.