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Bristol Post
Bristol Post
National
Ross Millen

Passenger suffers severe leg injury after putting feet on dashboard

A passenger has suffered a severe leg injury after being involved in a road traffic collision while their feet were resting on the dashboard.

Police have warned others not to assume the same position after the airbag was activated on the person when their legs were tucked up in front of them, resulting in a serious injury.

The crash happened on the A370 near Weston-super-Mare yesterday afternoon (Monday, February 7).

READ MORE: Man knocked unconscious and taken to hospital after gang attack in Bristol

The A370 in Hewish between the garden centre on Puxton Lane and Wick Road was shut in both directions as a result of a two-car collision.

Major delays were reported in the area, with First Bus also forcing to delay and cancel some services.

Avon and Somerset Police Road Policing Unit confirmed that one driver was reported for driving without due care and attention.

They also confirmed that all parties were okay, however, one passenger suffered a severe leg injury after the airbag activated whilst their feet were on the dashboard.

A warning was issued by the Road Policing Unit which said: "Please don't do this, don't let passengers do it.

"Spread the word. It's only 'comfy' if it doesn't go wrong."

A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police said in a statement yesterday afternoon: "We were called at 11.19am today (Monday, February 7) to attend a two-vehicle collision on the A370 at Hewish.

"There were several people injured and at least three people have been taken to hospital. None of the injuries are believed to be life-threatening.

"The road re-opened at around 2.30pm."

Putting your feet on the dashboard is dangerous and potentially fatal, warns Australian roadside assistance organisation NRMA.

It writes: "Upon impact passenger frontal airbags are deployed from inside the dashboard and if your feet are up at the height of the dash your legs will be pushed upward rather than keeping your legs and lower body secured in a seated position."

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