You’ve likely seen it before: passengers in cars getting comfortable for the ride, stretching out, and resting their feet on the dashboard. While it may seem innocent, a woman from Georgia experienced firsthand the severe risks associated with this habit, and she’s now sharing her story to raise awareness.
“I always had my legs crossed and my foot on the dash,” recounts Lisa Johnson in an interview with CBS News. Her husband frequently warned her, “One day, you’ll regret that decision.” Despite his concerns, Lisa felt relaxed and assured him it would be fine. “I’ll just put my foot down if anything happens,” she would respond.
However, everything changed for her on August 2, 2015, when she and her spouse were involved in a T-bone collision just four miles from home while picking up their kids. “The airbag deployed and threw my foot up, which broke my nose,” Lisa explains. “I was literally looking at the bottom of my foot.”
The impact shattered her ankle, femur, and arm, while the rest of her family emerged with only minor injuries. “My entire right side was broken, and it was all due to my negligence,” Lisa reflects. “I could not react quickly enough.”
The local fire department in Chattanooga, Tennessee, took notice of Lisa’s story and shared it on social media, prompting a surge of attention with over 3,000 shares. “I observed many passengers traveling with their feet on the dashboard this weekend,” the post stated. “Airbags deploy at speeds between 100 and 220 MPH. If you’re in an accident while in that position, the airbag could send your knees crashing into your eye sockets.”
Following the accident, Lisa was unable to walk for a month and underwent multiple surgeries and extensive physical therapy. “I can’t perform my duties as an EMS anymore. Lifting patients is impossible, and I can’t stand for more than four hours without being in agony,” she shared.
Her experience is a stark reminder that life offers no second chances. “I keep telling people, you don’t want to live this way,” she said. “Every day is filled with pain and suffering.” Lisa remains dedicated to her recovery and aims to educate others about the dangers of this seemingly harmless behavior. She has set up a GoFundMe campaign to fund her advocacy efforts.
“I’m raising money to spread awareness through billboards, talks at schools, and conventions,” she explained. “If I can save just one person from this fate, it would mean the world to me.” Lisa’s medical expenses were fully covered, so she plans to use the funds exclusively for educational purposes.
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Summary
Putting your feet on the dashboard during car rides may seem harmless, but it can lead to devastating injuries in the event of an accident. Lisa Johnson’s story serves as a cautionary tale about the risks involved in this common behavior. After suffering severe injuries due to a car crash, she is now advocating for awareness to prevent others from experiencing similar pain.