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Do you remember your dad, friend, or whomever telling you to take your feet off the dash? They were likely doing so because they didn’t want you to damage or dirty their dash paneling in their beloved car. However, there is a darker safety reason why you should never leave your feet up on the dash.

Placing your feet on the dash will greatly increase the likelihood of serious injury to your lower and upper body in the event of a crash

In short, kicking your feet up on the dash is more than silly, it’s downright dangerous. Leaving your feet on the dash of a vehicle increases the likelihood of serious injury in a crash due to positioning, violent motion, and airbag deployment.

So, how does it work? Well, your modern vehicle is engineered for you to sit upright, with your feet in the footwell forward of the seat. In the event of a crash, your airbag deploys in 1/20th of a second, sending an air-filled cushion into your path at 200 mph. That’s enough to stop you from striking the dash and other components with similarly violent force. But it’s also enough to snap your legs back against your torso should your feet be up on the dash at the time of a crash.

Unfortunately, the extent of the damage can be dire. For starters, you could experience fractures in your legs. However, the impact could fold your body, leading to fractures or dislocations in your hips, ribs, and even your head as your lower legs come back. 

Keep in mind, serious hip injuries often result in life-threatening hypovolemia, especially in the case of elderly patients. Finally, the crushing and twisting action could injure your spine. Worse yet, many of these injuries could be permanent and compromising to your mobility. 

We get it. It feels good to maneuver outside of that monotonous seating position on a long road trip. However, doing so can be dangerous. Do yourself a favor and avoid kicking your feet up onto the dash while you’re riding in the passenger seat. As dramatic as it sounds, a moment of comfort could lead to a lifetime of hardship. 

Check out the video with animations depicting the dangers of a crash with your feet on the dash below!

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Staff Writer

Erik Sherman

Erik Sherman is a MotorBiscuit Staff Writer, an admitted petrolhead, and an avid motorcyclist. Erik also has extensive experience with military and emergency vehicles, ranging from ambulances and fire engines to MRAPs and Humvees. Erik is an eager car and motorcycle reviewer with expertise covering everything from sports cars and electric motorcycles to pontoon boats and jet skis. Erik holds a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Texas at Austin. He also studied Chinese, Energy, and European Politics at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. Erik’s background is unorthodox; he is a United States Marine Corps (USMC) combat veteran, water survival practitioner, and a former firefighter/EMT. Additionally, Erik is a regular volunteer and former instructor with the American Red Cross (ARC). When he’s not working, you can find Erik on his motorcycle or out for a spirited drive.