Experts warn: resting feet on car dashboard can turn airbags into a danger

During the hot summer months, many front-seat passengers look for a more comfortable position and get into the habit of resting their feet on the dashboard or even stretching them out through an open window. Traffic safety experts point out that while this habit looks harmless and relaxed, it can actually be dangerous.

Why the position is risky

The issue lies in how a car's safety systems are designed to work. In the event of even a minor collision, the airbag deploys with considerable force and speed, built to protect a passenger sitting in a normal position. If the passenger's feet are on the dashboard or outside the window at that moment, the body is not positioned the way manufacturers intended for impact, and the airbag can no longer perform its protective function as designed.

In such a scenario, the force of the impact can be redirected toward the legs, hips or pelvis, causing fractures or other serious injuries to body parts that are usually less affected in a collision. Experts stress that even a minor crash, which might otherwise leave no serious consequences, can become a cause of significant injury when passengers sit in this position.

Advice for passengers

Traffic safety specialists urge car passengers to avoid resting their feet on the dashboard or sticking them out the window, especially on longer summer trips when the position can seem particularly tempting. The recommendation is to maintain a normal, safe sitting posture so that safety systems can function as intended if an accident occurs.