Many passengers think it feels comfortable to rest their feet on the dashboard or hang them out of the window. While this may not be against the law in California, it is extremely unsafe. These positions increase the risk of catastrophic injury in a crash and can even reduce the amount of compensation a victim may receive.

Why These Positions Are Dangerous

Airbags deploy at lightning speed and with tremendous force. If your feet are on the dashboard, the airbag can drive your legs back into your face or chest, causing severe fractures and other life-altering injuries.

Resting your feet outside the window is just as dangerous. Passing vehicles or road debris can strike your limbs, and the posture itself interferes with the way your seatbelt and airbags protect you, leaving you far more vulnerable in an accident.

Real Stories, Real Consequences

One passenger suffered multiple broken bones when an airbag forced her knees into her face during a collision. Another individual experienced a completely dislocated hip and fractured femur after being struck while riding with feet on the dash. These injuries highlight how quickly a seemingly harmless habit can turn devastating.

How It Affects Injury Claims

Even if another driver caused the accident, your position in the vehicle matters. California follows comparative fault rules, which means your compensation can be reduced if your actions contributed to the severity of your injuries. Insurance companies and courts often examine whether a passenger’s posture made the harm worse, which can weaken an otherwise strong claim.

Safe Riding Habits to Protect Yourself

To minimize risks, passengers should follow a few key safety practices:

1. Sit upright with your back against the seat and both feet on the floor.
2. Always wear your seatbelt properly across the chest and lap.
3. Keep a safe distance between your torso and the dashboard.
4. Never extend your legs outside the vehicle.

These small adjustments ensure seatbelts and airbags work the way they are designed, significantly lowering the chance of severe injuries.

Sample Blog Post for Hillstone Law

Title: Feet on the Dashboard? Why It’s Dangerous and What You Can Do

Stretching your legs on a long ride may feel relaxing, but putting your feet on the dashboard or out the window is one of the riskiest choices you can make as a passenger. These positions disrupt the protection offered by seatbelts and airbags, and in the event of a crash, they can lead to devastating injuries.

Airbags deploy with enormous force, and having your feet in the wrong place can send your legs into your face or chest in an instant. In other cases, limbs outside the window may be crushed or struck by another vehicle. These injuries can be permanent and life-changing.

Beyond the physical risks, unsafe positions can also impact your personal injury claim. Under California’s laws, if your posture contributed to the harm you suffered, the compensation you receive may be reduced.

Key Safety Tips for Passengers:

• Always sit upright with your feet flat on the floor
• Use your seatbelt correctly
• Keep space between your body and the dashboard
• Keep all limbs inside the vehicle

At Hillstone Law, we help victims of car accidents understand their rights and fight for the compensation they deserve. Staying safe in the passenger seat not only protects your health but also your ability to recover financially if an accident occurs.