Australians are being reminded of a common yet “extremely dangerous” road act that can cause some of the most horrific injuries seen by emergency services. Putting your feet up on the dashboard might feel more comfortable during long journeys, but authorities warn it can put your life at risk.
In New South Wales, the transport department strongly discourages the act.
“Not only are feet on the dashboard no fun for onlookers, but it’s also extremely dangerous,” it said in an online post earlier this month.
The warning comes as Australians right around the country take to the roads in record numbers, with many travellers opting to holiday domestically this summer.
An emergency department nurse recently told Yahoo about the annual spike in admissions at this time of year as residents travel long distances.
Summer travel is placing more Australians on the roads, contributing to an increase in crashes. Source: VicTraffic
Why is putting feet on the dashboard so dangerous?
And now, transport authorities are adding to the pleas.
A spokesperson for Transport for NSW (TfNSW) told Yahoo News that while the dangerous act isn’t specifically illegal, it can lead to a range of other penalties and should be avoided at all costs.
“Never place your feet on the dashboard of a vehicle as it can have a life-threatening impact on you if you’re involved in a crash,” they said.
Police can use their discretion to issue a number of related fines, including when a driver’s view through the front, side or rear windows is obstructed, or when seat belts are used incorrectly.
These fines range from $423 and three demerit points for seatbelt and seating offences, up to $469 and three demerit points for driving with an obstructed view of the road.
“Passengers are reminded to sit upright in their seat with their seatbelt fastened correctly, and to make sure they are not blocking the driver’s view or peripheral vision so they can see out of the windscreen, back window and their mirrors at all times,” they said.
While specific data on seating positions is difficult to track, a landmark study in 2016 found that in a single year, more than 400 Australians were hospitalised with injuries directly linked to putting their feet on the dashboard.
But largely, it’s the potential injuries that should stand as the biggest deterrent.
“If your feet are on the dashboard during a crash, they are flung back as the airbag expands, which can lead to things like a facial fracture, brain injury, organ injuries, a torn spinal cord, or even death,” TfNSW said.
The injuries can be severe and permanent, with airbags deploying in milliseconds and leaving little opportunity for the body to absorb the impact safely.
“So if you’re road tripping over the break, keep those dogs off the dash,” the agency added.
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