The Dangers of Riding With Your Feet on the Dashboard

Being a passenger is one of the best feelings, especially when going on a long trip. Being a passenger offers a range of joys and benefits. As a passenger, you can enjoy the scenery and engage in other activities like reading. In an attempt to make themselves feel more comfortable, some passengers rest their feet on the dashboard. While resting your feet on the dashboard might seem comfortable, it is not safe.

What Are the Dangers of Riding With Your Feet on the Dashboard?          

Riding with your feet on the dashboard is dangerous. There are several reasons why this behavior is risky. They include the following;

• Airbag pressure: Airbags are meant to offer protection. They are meant to deploy rapidly when an accident occurs. Airbags can help reduce the risk of serious injuries. However, if you have your feet on the dashboard when the airbag deploys, the pressure of the airbag can result in severe injuries. Airbag deployment can force your legs backward toward your face at a high speed, breaking your legs, nose, forehead, jawbone, or pelvis. Airbag deployment can also push your feet through the roof or a broken windshield.
• Impact during a crash: Riding with your feet on the dashboard means you cannot brace yourself properly in the event of an accident. This can result in severe injuries.
• Less protection in a rollover accident: Suppose your feet are on the dashboard, and you get into a rollover accident. In such a case, the knee and chest airbags will not be able to protect you. This can lead to more severe injuries.
• Seat Belt positioning: A seatbelt can only offer sufficient protection if you are sitting upright. If your legs are on the dashboard, the seatbelt cannot do its job properly. Additionally, the constriction of the seat belt may harm crucial organs or sever limbs.
• Restricted movement: In the event of an accident or another emergency, it is crucial that you are able to respond quickly. Having your feet on the dashboard restricts movement. If your feet are on the dashboard, you can’t react fast in the event of an accident or another emergency.

Riding with your feet on the dashboard puts you at risk of sustaining incapacitating injuries. There are passengers who have suffered permanent disabilities due to riding with their feet on the dashboard. Always ensure you keep your feet down. On top of that, you should always;

• Face towards the front
• Wear your seatbelt
• Rest your shoulder and back directly against the backrest
• Firmly press your feet on the ground

Legal Responsibility in a Car Accident Case if You Were Sitting Improperly

If you are involved in an accident and were sitting improperly, you may be found partially liable for your injuries. In such a case, it may be concluded that sitting improperly contributed to the severity of your injuries. If found partially responsible, the comparative negligence rule requires that your compensation be reduced based on your percentage of fault.

Legal Help Is Available

If you are involved in an accident, our Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorneys at The Pendas Law Firm are here for you.

The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the Miami, Ocala, Orlando, Daytona Beach, Bradenton, West Palm Beach, Naples, Melbourne, Tampa, Jacksonville, and Fort Myers areas.