They are not getting away with anything, and yes they are rolling the dice, big time.
However, to be fair, it is not very common. (Thank goodness!)
Maybe some day an air-bag will help prevent a serious injury to him or his family, and he'll feel otherwise.
I guess we all agree, very poor engineering. Electronics should never, ever be at floor level in a vehicle. The environment is just way too harsh, and I doubt that that module was weather proofed in any way either.