Credit: Gráinne Kealy via Facebook
Woman Who Lost Her Entire Forehead Warns People Not To Put Feet On Dashboard
A woman who lost her entire forehead following a devastating car crash is speaking out to warn others about a common but potentially life-changing mistake.
Gráinne Kealy, from Ireland, is sharing her experience in the hope that others can avoid suffering similar injuries.
A split-second decision led to catastrophic injuries
The incident happened in 2006 when Kealy was 22 years old. At the time, she was traveling in her boyfriend’s jeep and sitting in a position many passengers adopt without considering the risks.
As the vehicle slid on black ice, Kealy had her feet resting on the dashboard.
When the airbags deployed, the force propelled her knees directly into her face, causing extensive and devastating injuries.
Speaking to IGV, Kealy recalled: “I had decided somewhere along the way that I would be more comfortable if my feet were on the dashboard.
“When the airbag opened upon impact, my knees were then pushed into my face at high speed. An airbag opens up around 200mph.”
The impact shattered nearly every bone in her face.
The long road to recovery after losing her forehead
As a result of the crash, Kealy suffered a minor brain injury along with severe facial trauma. Her injuries were so extensive that surgeons were forced to remove her forehead. She also experienced a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak and lost two teeth.
Fortunately, her boyfriend escaped with only minor injuries.
Looking back on her recovery, Kealy said: “My recovery was long and brutal at times. Not just the physical pain but the mental and emotional pain were sometimes crippling.
“Not wanting to look at your own face is difficult but always seeing people’s reaction to it was something I don’t think I ever got used to.
“Not only was I trying to live in a new reality but I also had to try and get used to not having a forehead. It still amazes me that I lived without a forehead for two years. It sometimes doesn’t feel real.”
After spending years adjusting to life following the accident, Kealy eventually received a ceramic forehead in 2009.
Why putting your feet on the dashboard is so dangerous
In the years since the crash, Kealy has made it her mission to raise awareness about the dangers of sitting with your feet on the dashboard.
By sharing images of her injuries and speaking publicly about her experience, she hopes others will think twice before adopting the same position.
The mother explained to IGV: “I was tired of seeing people doing the same thing while I was in traffic but also online and in movies or TV programs.
“It scared me to think of someone else doing what I did and ending up like me. I fully understand that it is an obvious thing.”
She is particularly concerned about the influence of celebrities and social media personalities.
“It breaks my heart when I see some celebrities posting a photo of themselves online with their feet on the dashboard. They have millions and millions of followers.
“The heartbreaking part about it is they don’t realize what they are doing. They don’t realize how dangerous their actions are.”
Thousands respond to her powerful safety message
Kealy says the reaction to her story has been extraordinary, with people from around the globe reaching out to share their support and appreciation.
She told IGV: “People from all around the world have been in touch with me to thank me for sharing my story.
“I hope passengers learn that they are responsible for more than putting on their seat belts when in a vehicle. People need to give themselves the best possible chance of surviving a road traffic accident.”
While not all feedback has been positive, Kealy says the overwhelming majority of responses have been thoughtful and encouraging.
She added: “Sharing my story on social media has been eye-opening. As I said, I’ve seen thousands of mean and rude comments about myself but I’ve also seen thousands of kind and caring comments.
“I love it when I see people tagging people they know who put their feet on the dashboard. It gives me hope that my warning is being heard.”
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