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Riding with one’s feet propped on the dashboard of a car is extremely dangerous for one main reason, if you are involved in collision, the vehicle’s airbags are likely to deploy. The airbag deploys at anywhere between 120mph and 220 mph. The vehicle’s airbags are designed to protect a passenger who is sitting up straight with both feet on the floor and is wearing a seatbelt. The airbag deploys at such a high rate of speed because it is meant to act as a cushion between the passenger and the dashboard and it must get into place before the passenger is thrown forward. Accidents occur in milliseconds. There is NO time to prepare for impact. If a passenger is riding with their feet or even one foot on the dashboard, their legs will be projected back into the body cavity or face because of the airbag. This will result in serious injury.
A mother of three from Georgia, learned about these dangers first hand. While riding in their family car near their home, Audra Tatum was sitting crosslegged with her right foot against the dashboard. Suddenly, a car pulled out in front of them and her husband could not avoid the t-bone collision. The passenger side airbag deployed and struck Tatum’s foot. It immediately pushed her foot back into her face. This resulted in a broken femur, ankle, shoulder and nose. The 33 year old still walks with a limp and has permanent physical limitations. Her husband, the driver, and daughter, a passenger in the backseat, both walked away from the accident with minor injuries.
Ms. Tatum was recently featured in a story that aired on The Today Show. She has made it a personal mission of hers to inform people of the risks of riding with their feet on the dashboard. I hope she succeeds and saves lives!
If you or someone you love has been in injured in a car accident that was not their fault, call The Thomson Law Firm today by dialing (540) 777-4900. The call and consultation are absolutely free! An intake specialist is waiting to talk with you about the details of your accident and answer your questions about compensation. Call today to get the answers you need.
