Yes. in a collision it is surprising how fluid everything becomes, including the dash, and your legs. It's called a knee bolster, and provides an impact space,and cushion to direct and protect your knees/legs from colliding with a solid object. The shape it has is not a coincidence.
Merrick
(Hope I didn't come across rude, just wanted to be informative. )
I understand the dynamincs of it, and I'm comfortable with my setup. Heck I ran 140mph in a winged sprint car with my knees just a few inches from the motor plate for most of 10 years.