It’s a harmless gesture for many passengers, often associated with relaxation on the vacation route. However, according to Dr. Gérald Kierzek, emergency physician and Medical Director of True Medical, this habit can have dramatic consequences, even during a simple journey at low speed. The specialist sounds the alarm: “Feet on the dashboard = fatal risk, even at low speed“.
A comfort reflex that becomes a death trap
The doctor is categorical: “Putting your feet on the dashboard is an extremely dangerous habit that turns safety systems into sources of serious injury, even during short trips or at low speeds.“. He explains that this danger comes above all from the very functioning of the safety devices, designed for a classic sitting position. Dr Kierzek explains: “The airbag deploys at a speed close to 300 km/h. With his legs raised, he violently throws his knees and legs towards the passenger’s face and torso“.
Another major danger:The belt is no longer positioned correctly to hold the body. The passenger may slide under the belt (“submarining”), directly exposing the abdomen, or be ejected or “disarticulated” by the force of the impact“.
Extremely serious injuries
The consequences of this position can be catastrophic. Dr. Kierzek lists them:
- Complex trauma: Multiple fractures of the legs, hips and pelvis;
- Head and facial injuries: Facial fractures, dental injuries, head trauma caused by the impact of knees on the face;
- Internal injuries: Thoracic, abdominal and spinal injuries;
- Risk of death: The combination of these injuries can be fatal.
The doctor insists: “The combination of these injuries can be fatal“It is therefore not the speed of the vehicle that makes the situation dangerous, but rather “the operation of security systems. Airbags and belts are designed and tested for a standard seating position (back against the seat, feet on the floor)“.
The right reflex to adopt on each journey
For Dr Gérald Kierzek, there are no exceptions to the rule: “So for all journeys, without exception, safety requires keeping your feet on the floor, your back firmly against the seat and the belt correctly adjusted. No moment of comfort or relaxation justifies taking such a risk“. A necessary reminder, especially at a time when social networks still too often trivialize these dangerous postures in the car.