Why Having Your Feet on the Dash Should Be Illegal in NJ

In a video that has had almost 9 million views in less than two weeks, you can see what would happen if you had your feet propped up on the dash when the airbag deployed.

Pay Attention to Rules Concerning Feet on the Dash

In the days before airbags in vehicles, passengers riding "shotgun" would often relax and stretch out by putting their feet up on the front dash.

But, since the introduction of airbags, you should never do this, according to experts.

Airbags deploy between 100 and 220 MPH and are engineered to reduce the risk of your upper body or head striking the interior of the vehicle during a crash.

 

However, if your feet are resting on the dashboard, the strength of the airbag can significantly injure the hips, causing fully dislocated hips and broken bones.

 

What is the Proper Sitting Position in a Vehicle?

The safety features in vehicles such as airbags and seatbelts are designed to keep passengers safe while in a proper sitting position.

When you are not sitting in the seat properly, you leave yourself open to serious injuries.

Safety experts say you should always face toward the front of the vehicle, wear your seatbelt, press your feet firmly on the floor, rest your shoulders and back against the backrest, and have a 2-finger gap between the seat and the back of your knees.

Is Having Your Feet on Dash Illegal in New Jersey?

A scan of the NJMVC rule book shows no law against having your feet up on the dash as a passenger.

It is, however, a decision that can change your life forever and you should avoid it.

In addition to the injuries you could receive in a crash, an insurance company or their lawyer may argue that you were partially at fault for your injuries if you were sitting improperly at the time of the accident.

Watch this short video that shows what could happen to your body if you had your feet on the dash during a crash.