Is It Legal to Put Your Feet on Top of the Dashboard While Driving in California?

When driving a car, it's essential to ensure that you can easily apply the brakes or press the gas pedal. In most cases, hand controls are used by those who are unable to use their feet due to physical limitations. However, have you ever wondered about the legality of placing your feet on the dashboard? This article will explore the regulations surrounding this practice, the potential risks involved, and why such an act is typically illegal in many states, including California.

Hand Controls: An Alternative for Handicapped Drivers

Hand controls are specifically designed to help drivers with disabilities operate their vehicles safely. These controls can be installed on the steering wheel, gear shift, or pedals and are adjusted to accommodate different needs. If you or someone you know is driving with hand controls, it's crucial to ensure that the vehicle is equipped and adjusted correctly to prevent any safety issues.

Front Seat Passengers and the Risk of Injury

While the primary focus is on the driver, front seat passengers also need to be mindful of their actions during driving. Placing your feet on the dashboard can be extremely dangerous in the event of a collision. The airbag system is designed to provide protection, but if your feet are resting on the dashboard, they may not deploy properly, leading to serious injury. Leg bones can be pushed into the torso, causing trauma and pain.

Legal Implications and Variations Based on Circumstances

Whether an act is legal often depends on the circumstances. While it may seem harmless to place your feet on the dashboard, in most cases, anything that impedes safe operation of a vehicle is illegal. However, there are rare situations where a driver might be able to argue that their actions did not impede their ability to drive.

For example, a friend of mine who was disabled from polio had controls situated at the steering wheel. While in theory, it might be possible to place feet on the dashboard and still maintain control, it's not advisable. At very best, this is an uncomfortable and impractical position. The feet would likely be very close to the fan vents, leading to an unpleasant odor and potential health issues.

Consequences of Poor Driving Actions

Imagine encountering an unexpected situation while driving. If you're trying to apply the brakes with your feet on the dashboard, the time it takes to react could be significantly longer. This delay could be catastrophic in an emergency situation. It's always best to keep both feet resting on the floor and ready to apply the brakes if necessary.

Proper Positioning and Safety

Proper positioning of the feet is crucial for safe driving. Keeping your feet on the floor allows you to quickly and effectively apply the brakes or gas pedal when needed. Additionally, it reduces the risk of injury from the airbag deploying if you were to be involved in a collision.

Firefighters and paramedics often deal with such scenarios and emphasize the importance of proper foot placement. The pelvis region can hold as much as 1-2 liters of blood and is highly vascular due to the femoral arteries and veins. In the event of an airbag deployment, the impact can cause severe trauma, which is why it's important to avoid placing your feet on the dashboard.

Conclusion

While it may seem convenient to place your feet on the dashboard while driving, the potential risks and legal implications make it a risky and impractical choice. Always keep your feet on the floor for the best safety and control while driving. By adhering to these guidelines, you can ensure a safer and more comfortable driving experience for all.