Maybe My Husband is Right; The Dangers of Being a Passenger Princess

I'll start this off by confessing that I am at times a "Passenger Princess." If you aren't familiar with the term, it is someone who is driven around more often than they do the driving. They sit in their little sidecar and eat snacks, scroll TikTok, or read or nap while the driver does most of the work.

Passenger Princess Responsibilities

I say "most" of the work, because Passenger Princesses sometimes are responsible for navigating, playing DJ, or grabbing something from the back that the driver can't reach. We aren't totally helpless, just MAYBE a little bit spoiled. We're worth it, ok?

Feet on the Dash, Not a Care in the World...

Other times, we are stuck in the role because we inspire the usage of the "Oh crap handle" too much. Or whoever we are with is a control freak and needs to be in charge of the journey. I have honestly never INSISTED on driving. On a pretty day, we will hop in the van, my sweet husband in the driver's seat, and me as the PP. In a perfect world, I would plop my feet up on the dash.

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Horror Movie Fears

HOWEVER, my sweet husband always reminds me of how dangerous that could be in the event of an accident. I think he was scarred for life by the movie, Deathproof, by Quentin Tarantino. A murderous stunt car driver goes after joyriding girls. He hits one car head-on, and it is NOT pretty. The girl with her feet propped up? Her leg ends up flying out the window!

What Happens to Legs on the Dashboard in a Wreck?

Now, I don't know how common an amputated limb is in this situation, but I do know that serious injuries to the hips and knees are a real risk to those who are not seated properly when an airbag is deployed. Here is a video of a crash test showing what happens in slow motion.

Why You Shouldn't Prop Your Feet on the Dashboard

Without going into the gory details, and honestly, I can't, or I will make myself pass out, a cautionary tale from Georgia finally got through to me. If you want to read it for yourself, click here. You can also watch this clip to get an idea of what happened to this woman whose husband once warned her against putting her feet on the dash.

Accidents Can Happen So Fast

Now, I'm NOT saying husbands are always right, but in this instance, I'd better listen to mine. He's right. Accidents can happen so fast! If it's a choice between playing it safe and stretching out my legs for comfort. I think it's worth it to find another way to sit on a road trip.

Give the Passenger Princess in Your Life a Heads Up

What about you? Do you ever sit like this? Or maybe you warn your Passenger Princess of the dangers. If there is someone in your life you want to get through to, chime in on the Facebook page or send them this link.