Modern cars are designed to protect occupants who are seated upright, with feet positioned safely in the footwell. When an accident occurs, the front airbags deploy in just milliseconds, roughly 1/20th of a second, at speeds up to 320 km/h. This force is strong enough to save your life, but only if your body is in the correct position.

If your feet are resting on the dash, the airbag’s explosive deployment can send your legs flying backward with extreme force. This unnatural motion can cause serious fractures in your legs, hips, and pelvis. In some cases, the impact could even cause your knees to slam into your face or chest, leading to broken ribs, facial injuries, or internal damage.

What’s more, the position can result in a folding effect on the body, increasing the risk of spinal injuries or permanent damage to mobility. The video clearly illustrates how quickly this scenario can go from casual comfort to life-threatening trauma.

Even a moderate-speed collision can result in catastrophic injuries if the passenger’s legs are up on the dashboard. Alongside broken bones, passengers are at risk for dislocations in the hips and vertebrae, internal bleeding, and long-term nerve damage.

These types of injuries are not just painful, they can lead to permanent disability, long-term rehabilitation, or chronic pain conditions. Hip and spinal trauma, in particular, are known to have lasting impacts on mobility and independence, especially if nerves or blood vessels are affected.

This simple habit, often done out of boredom or comfort, could change the course of someone’s life in seconds. The video serves as a strong reminder: keep your feet down, buckle up, and sit properly. A moment of ease should never come at the cost of your safety.