The law does not prohibit this position, but the consequences can be serious. “We appeal to you to use common sense”

A few days ago on the A6 motorway near Szczecin, only one person was injured in a collision of three cars. But seriously.

– She had her legs on the dashboard. As a result of this impact, the woman suffered a serious injury, breaking both lower limbs. At first glance, there was no excessive speed during this incident – says cadet Ewelina Gryszpan from the City Police Headquarters in Szczecin.

– Even if you drive 30 km/h and hit something hard, these airbags can explode. There is no rule, whether you drive slowly or fast – you don't keep your legs there (on the dashboard – editor's note), it's not a place to keep your legs – emphasizes Łukasz Byśkiniewicz, a rally driver from TVN Turbo Rally Team.

The airbag saves lives, but it can also be a deadly threat because it works like a small bomb. – The airbag shoots at a speed of 300 kilometers per hour. You can imagine how powerful it is – says Mariusz Podkalicki from the Safe Driving Academy.

READ ALSO: “A bicycle helmet saved my life four times”

Orthopedists know perfectly well what this force is capable of. The list of injuries that occur in such situations is long. Just hearing about it is painful.

– Fractures from the lower leg, through the thigh, can lead to dislocation of the acetabulum of the hip joint, can lead to fractures in the pelvis. Sudden movement of the limbs towards the torso and head can cause the knees to hit the chest, the face, and can cause spinal injury – lists Robert Bożek, an orthopedist from the Provincial Specialist Hospital named after Saint Barbara in Sosnowiec.

Such complex fractures require many hours of surgery and rehabilitation lasting even years, with little chance of returning to full fitness.

Emergency physicians note that statistically, injuries to accident victims are becoming milder. This is due to advanced safety systems in new cars.

– They are adjusted to the fact that we are sitting in the right position. When this position is different, probably many of these systems may be either ineffective or even cause additional injuries – says Tomasz Sikora, a specialist in emergency medicine from the Provincial Specialist Hospital named after Saint Barbara in Sosnowiec.

Injuries aren't everything. – When a passenger keeps their legs on the dashboard, the mirror is also covered, visibility is reduced – says Łukasz Byśkiniewicz.

What do the regulations say about this? – Although keeping your feet on the dashboard is not regulated by law, we appeal to use common sense and for drivers and passengers to engage in thinking and anticipate various types of events – emphasizes Ewelina Gryszpan.

Although you can theoretically keep your feet on the dashboard, it's really not worth it.