A closer look
Airlines heavily promote the crash brace position as a way to save your life during an emergency, but conspiracy theorists love to claim it is actually designed to kill you instantly by snapping your neck to save the airline millions in medical lawsuits. The actual boring truth is that curling up over your knees prevents your arms and legs from violently flailing around the cabin during a high-speed impact, marginally increasing your chances of surviving the initial terrifying blunt force trauma. However, surviving the crash just means you get to participate in the chaotic hunger games of evacuating a burning metal tube filled with panicked tourists trying to grab their carry-on luggage. The position just ensures your teeth stay somewhat intact so dental records can identify you if things go catastrophically wrong
