It should be avoided for several important reasons:
1. Airbag deployment
In case of a crash, a vehicle’s airbags deploy with considerable force and speed to protect passengers.
Placing your feet or legs on the dashboard puts you at risk of serious injury when the airbag inflates.
The force of the airbag can push your legs and feet into your face, chest, or head, causing severe injuries such as broken bones, lacerations, or even facial fractures.
2. Seatbelt effectiveness
When you’re sitting with your legs on the dashboard, you may not be properly positioned in your seat, which can affect the effectiveness of your seatbelt.
A seatbelt is designed to restrain your upper body and keep you secure in your seat during a collision.
Having your legs on the dashboard can compromise the effectiveness of the seatbelt, making you more vulnerable to injury in an accident.
3. Increased risk of ejection
During a high-impact collision, the force can cause the dashboard to deform or break, potentially leading to the ejection of the passenger with their legs on the dashboard.
Being ejected from the vehicle significantly increases the risk of serious injury or death.
4. Encouragement of unsafe behaviour
Resting your legs on the dashboard may encourage other unsafe behaviouars while in a vehicle, such as not wearing a seatbelt or engaging in distracting activities.
These actions can further increase the risk of injury in a car crash.
It’s crucial to never rest your legs on the dashboard of a car for your safety and the safety of other passengers.
Always follow proper seatbelt use and seating positions to minimize the risk of injury in the event of a collision.
