A devastating car accident left Gráinne Kealy with life-altering injuries, including the complete loss of her forehead. Now, over a decade later, she is using her experience to issue a stark warning to everyone who rides as a passenger in a vehicle: never put your feet on the dashboard. This seemingly harmless habit can have catastrophic consequences, as Gráinne’s story tragically illustrates. Here’s why her warning is so important and what you need to know to keep yourself safe.
The Accident That Changed Gráinne Kealy’s Life Forever
In 2007, Gráinne Kealy was riding in the passenger seat of her boyfriend’s Jeep when the vehicle skidded on black ice and crashed into a wall. The car was traveling at around 120mph when the crash occurred. While airbags are designed to save lives in crashes, for Gráinne, the deployment of the airbag caused more harm than protection. She had her feet resting on the dashboard at the time of impact—a decision that had severe consequences.
When the airbags deployed, the force of inflation sent her feet violently towards her face. Her knees were pushed back into her head with tremendous force, causing extensive injuries that changed her life. In a horrifying recollection of the event, Gráinne shared, “I broke every bone in my face.”
Severe Injuries and the Removal of Her Forehead
The extent of Gráinne’s injuries was unimaginable. Upon being rushed to the hospital, doctors determined that the damage to her face was so severe that they had no choice but to remove her entire forehead. She explained, “My head sunk in and I looked a little strange.”
In addition to suffering multiple facial fractures, Gráinne’s brain began leaking cerebrospinal fluid due to the trauma. Her injuries were so complex that they required extensive treatment from a neurosurgeon, who had to reconstruct her face. The surgeon had to “pull it all out and put it back together,” Gráinne recalled.
The Long Road to Recovery and a Ceramic Forehead
After the initial surgery, Gráinne faced a long and grueling recovery process. Complications arose a year later, requiring more medical attention. It wasn’t until 2009 that she received a custom-made forehead implant, crafted from Italian ceramic, marking a major milestone in her recovery. While the surgeries were successful, the journey to rebuild her life after the crash was far from over.
Living with the Aftereffects of a Traumatic Brain Injury
Despite completing the plastic surgeries, Gráinne continues to experience the long-term effects of her traumatic brain injury (TBI). In an interview with The Mirror, she opened up about her ongoing struggles, stating, “I constantly lose words while in the middle of a conversation. This can happen to me 20 times a day.”
Gráinne also shared that she suffers from chronic headaches and struggles with concentration, particularly in noisy environments. Her brain injury has left her battling cognitive challenges that affect her daily life, reminding her of the devastating consequences of that fateful decision to put her feet on the dashboard.
Becoming an Advocate for Passenger Safety
Since the accident, Gráinne has dedicated herself to raising awareness about the dangers of putting feet on the dashboard. She believes that her story can save lives and prevent others from going through the same trauma she endured. In a heartfelt Facebook post, she reflected on her mission, writing, “I sent out an email a few years ago in the hope of preventing anyone from going through what I have had to go through.”
Grainne warns others to not put their feet on the car dashboard. Credit: Jacobs Stock Photography Ltd/Getty
Unfortunately, despite her efforts, Gráinne feels her message hasn’t reached far enough. “The sad truth is that I know the message hasn’t reached far enough,” she shared. Determined to spread awareness, she continues to share her story and her photos, no matter how difficult it may be, in the hopes that it will make a difference.
Celebrities and Social Media Influence: A Dangerous Trend
Gráinne has expressed frustration with the influence that celebrities wield, particularly when it comes to the casual portrayal of dangerous behaviors, such as putting feet on the dashboard. She has publicly criticized stars like Selena Gomez, Kim Kardashian, and Hailey Baldwin, who have been photographed with their feet resting on the dashboard or windshield.
In a post on Facebook, she shared images of these celebrities, concerned that their massive social media followings could encourage others to adopt this risky habit. In an interview with Sky News, Gráinne voiced her concerns, stating, “It breaks my heart to think of anyone having to go through the hell myself and my family have had to go through.”
Credit: Gráinne Kealy / Facebook
Gráinne’s worry is that such images, viewed by millions, normalize the dangerous practice. “I can’t compete with that,” she said, acknowledging the influence that celebrities have over their fans. Still, she remains determined to spread her message, hoping her story will resonate and change behavior.
The Deadly Risks of Putting Feet on the Dashboard
Gráinne’s accident highlights the dangers that many people may not be aware of. Airbags are designed to deploy with incredible force—often around 100 to 220 mph—in the event of a collision. While they are lifesaving devices, they are only effective when passengers are seated in the proper position. When feet are on the dashboard, that deployment force can result in devastating injuries, much like those suffered by Gráinne.
When the knees are pushed violently toward the face, it can lead to severe fractures, brain injuries, and even permanent disfigurement. The injuries caused by such a position during a crash are often preventable, which is why Gráinne’s message is so important: keeping feet off the dashboard is a simple yet crucial step in ensuring passenger safety.
A Plea to Spread Awareness
Gráinne Kealy continues to advocate for passenger safety, using her traumatic experience as a powerful lesson. Her plea is simple: spread the word, share her story, and help prevent others from suffering the same fate. As she said, “If it takes me sharing my story and my photos, as scary as they are, then so be it.”
Credit: Gráinne Kealy / Facebook
Her bravery in sharing her experience, despite the emotional and physical toll, serves as a reminder that small, seemingly harmless actions can have devastating consequences. By raising awareness about the dangers of putting feet on the dashboard, Gráinne hopes to save lives and spare families from the pain and suffering that she and her loved ones have endured.
Conclusion: A Critical Lesson in Road Safety
Gráinne Kealy’s story is a stark reminder that safety in a vehicle is not just about wearing seat belts—it’s about maintaining proper posture and avoiding risky behaviors like putting feet on the dashboard. Her life-altering experience serves as a powerful lesson for passengers everywhere. By sharing her story, Gráinne hopes to spread awareness and prevent others from making the same mistake. The next time you ride as a passenger, remember her story and keep your feet firmly on the floor—your safety depends on it.
