The brace position, depicted on aircraft safety cards, is specifically designed to reduce injuries and boost your chances of survival during a plane crash. And a YouTube video is gaining widespread attention for its demonstration of why it’s critical during an emergency.
The clip, shared by YouTuber Zack D. Films, makes it terrifyingly clear that performing this simple action can be the difference between life and death.
The correct brace position, as shown in the video, is to lean forward, tuck your head down, and use your hands or arms to protect your head and neck. This lessens the pressure on your spine, which is a major factor in surviving a high-impact crash.
Why do we do the brace position on planes?
The position helps protect your vital organs, and reduces the risk of head and neck injuries. The video shows how being in the correct position makes you safer from falling luggage from the overhead compartments.
However, it says by leaning forward, you also minimise the impact force on your spine and whole body should you be suddenly thrown around or to the roof.
Nick Eades, who claim’s to be the world's most experienced Boeing 747 captain, has also spoken about the importance on the brace position in the event of an emergency, reiterating these points. He told LADbible that bracing correctly can stop people breaking their necks in a big impact.
“You're just trying to get the body into a position that's going to suffer the least damage. It's like whiplash - you're trying to avoid that sudden movement of the head, which can result in serious injury, if not death.”
This stark reminder serves as a powerful call to action for every Londoner jetting off on holiday to pay attention to the safety instructions on a flight, something many of us often ignore.
