The unexpected danger of putting your feet on the dashboard
People are being warned not to rest their feet on the dashboard with a new video showing how dangerous the laid-back position can be when the airbag is deployed.
The Narrabeen Fire and Rescue NSW Station 068, on the Sydney’s Northern Beaches, posted the video on Facebook to show the force and angle that airbags deploy.
“A friendly reminder to keep your feet off the dashboard when travelling in vehicles,” the post said, along with a video that shows the windscreen shattering significantly from the blow.
The NRMA reported in 2006 more than 400 people had been admitted to hospital with injuries related to putting their feet on the dashboard.
A 22-year-old woman lost half of her skull when the car she was in slammed into a wall, forcing her knees into her forehead.
The video has received more than 1300 shares with many people admitting they did not realise how dangerous the position could be.
“I didn't think this was actually a thing, I thought you were just trying to ruin my fun,” one person said.
Another person commented the video had scared them straight, saying: “That will do me, never putting my feet up ever again.”
Other people commented they were not surprised so many people did not realise how risky the position was.
“It’s so comfortable to put my feet up there but I stop myself from doing it for this reason!” one woman posted.
NSW Police told Yahoo News Australia the position can be dangerous for both the passenger and the driver.
“Those passengers putting their feet up on a dashboard pose significant risks to themselves, other passengers, and road users, in the event of a crash," a spokesperson said.
They added it was also just as dangerous for the driver as it could obstruct their view.
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