Author: Shelby Benavidez
Contributing Attorney: Gabrielle Becker, attorney
When we think about dangerous behavior while riding in the car, most of us think about speeding, not wearing a seatbelt, or causing distractions. And while those things matter (a lot), there are everyday habits and objects inside your car that can quietly increase your risk of serious injury during an accident.
The tricky part is that many of these hazards don’t feel dangerous. They feel habitual, comfortable, convenient, and completely harmless. Most of us don’t think twice about how we style our hair, or what’s rolling around in the backseat. But in a sudden stop or crash, small details inside your vehicle can turn into major safety risks.
Let’s talk about some common car hazards you may not be aware of and simple changes you can make to stay safer on the road.
Sitting Crisscross or With Your Feet on the Dashboard
Comfort is king on long car rides. Whether you’re heading out on a road trip or stuck in traffic, it’s tempting to shift positions, especially if you’re the passenger. Sitting crisscross, propping your feet up on the dashboard, or twisting sideways in your seat can feel relaxing in the moment. However, if you’re in an accident, the consequences can be painful.
Airbags are designed to deploy at speeds of around 200 miles per hour in a fraction of a second. When you’re sitting upright, the airbag helps protect your head, chest, and upper body. But if your legs are crossed, elevated, or resting on the dashboard, the airbag can force your legs backward in unnatural ways.
This could break your legs, knees, ankles, and hips, cause serious injury to your pelvis, throw your spine out of alignment, or cause injury to your face if your legs are pushed upward.
In many cases, these injuries wouldn’t have occurred if you had been sitting upright with both feet on the floor. So, while you may just be trying to get comfortable, put safety first. Sit upright, keep your seatbelt on correctly, and keep both feet on the floor – even when you’re not driving.
Wearing a Claw Clip While Riding in a Vehicle
Claw clips are everywhere right now. They’re easy, stylish, and perfect for keeping your hair off your neck while driving or riding in a car. But what many people don’t realize is that claw clips can pose a serious risk during a car accident, especially rear-end collisions.
When your head snaps backward into the headrest, a rigid claw clip can press directly into the back of your head and impale your scalp or skull. This can cause painful lacerations to your scalp, skull fractures, injuries to your neck and spine, and increase the risk of a brain injury. The pressure point created by the clip can turn what might have been a mild injury into something much more serious.
If you’re going to be traveling in the car, skip the claw clip and throw your hair up in a scrunchy, ponytail holder, or wear your hair down. If you’re dead set on wearing a claw clip, invest in a flexible, rubber clip that would withstand the force of a crash. No one ever expects to be in a crash, but removing a claw clip before driving can significantly reduce the risk of injury if the unthinkable does happen.
Traveling With Tumblers and Reusable Water Bottles
Stanleys, Yetis, Hydro Flasks – oversized tumblers with handles and metal walls are incredibly popular, and for good reason! They keep drinks cold, reduce waste, and fit right into modern life. But inside a moving vehicle, these heavy containers can quickly become dangerous projectiles.
If you were in a car crash, imagine a 40-oz metal container full of water flying up and hitting you in the face. It could break your teeth, fracture your face, or impale your eye – and you’re not the only one at risk. Imagine something like that hitting your child in the backseat! Cup holders don’t always provide enough stability, especially for larger tumblers. If your vehicle is hit from behind or comes to a sudden stop, that bottle doesn’t stay put.
Hydration is important, so we’re not suggesting you leave it at home. Instead, store your cup in a closed console or put it in the trunk until you reach your destination. A sturdy, reliable cup is great, but it shouldn’t come at the expense of your safety.
Unsecured Sports Equipment in SUVs and Vans
SUVs and crossover vehicles are incredibly popular with families, especially those juggling practices, games, and tournaments. But unlike traditional sedans, many SUVs don’t have a fully enclosed trunk area. That means anything in the back can fly forward during an accident. Even worse than a Stanley, a baseball bat or football helmet is the last thing you want hitting you in the head.
When carrying sports equipment, store it in bins or bags and use cargo nets to secure your trunk area or tie it down with straps. There are many products out there designed to secure heavy items in your trunk. Do your research and find the best product for your vehicle.
Bulky Jackets and Winter Coats While Buckled In
When it’s cold outside, throwing on a thick winter coat before getting in the car feels automatic. Puffer jackets, heavy hoodies, and bulky coats are designed to keep you warm, but they can actually interfere with your seatbelt during a car accident.
Seatbelts are designed to sit snugly against your body. When a bulky coat is between you and the belt, it creates extra space. In a crash, that space can allow your body to move farther forward before the seatbelt fully engages.
While it may not seem like a big deal, it can increase the risk of head and facial fractures and put greater strain on your neck and spine. For children, the risk is even greater because their small bodies could slip out of their seatbelt entirely.
If you’re unsure of whether your jacket is safe in the car, buckle up with your coat on, then remove your coat without tightening or loosening the belt. If you can pull the belt significantly away from your body, it’s too loose to provide proper protection.
To stay on the safe side, remove your coat before buckling up, wear thinner layers, or rely on blankets for warmth. If you opt for a blanket, make sure it is over your seatbelt.
Final Thoughts: Protect Yourself from Hidden Car Hazards
Most car accidents happen without warning. You don’t get time to brace yourself or move things out of the way. That’s why preparation matters.
By being mindful of how you sit, what you wear, and what you carry inside your vehicle, you can significantly reduce your risk of injury. These small adjustments don’t take much effort, and they can make a major difference when it matters most. Staying safe isn’t just about how you drive. It’s also about what’s riding along with you.
FAQs About Hidden Car Hazards
What are the most common hidden hazards inside a car?
Common hazards include improper seating positions, hair accessories like claw clips, big, bulky jackets, unsecured water bottles, and loose sports equipment. These everyday items can cause serious injury in the event of a crash.
Are claw clips really dangerous in car accidents?
Yes. Rigid claw clips can cause scalp, skull, and neck injuries when the head snaps backward into the headrest during a collision.
Why is sitting with feet on the dashboard unsafe?
If airbags deploy, your legs can be pushed backward with extreme force, leading to broken bones, hip injuries, and spinal damage.
How should I secure items in my SUV?
Use cargo nets, bins, or straps whenever possible. Heavy items should be secured low and away from passengers.
Do cup holders secure tumblers well enough?
Not always. Larger, heavier tumblers can still become airborne during sudden stops or crashes.
Is it safe to wear a jacket in the car?
Jackets can be safe in the car, but if your jacket is too thick, your seatbelt may not be able to restrain you properly. Seatbelts are designed to work best when they lie flat and tight across your chest and lap. When a thick jacket creates extra space between you and the seatbelt, your body can move forward farther than it should during a sudden stop or crash.
