Road safety experts say the footwear could potentially stop drivers braking properly in an emergency and could cause more crashes
Millions of motorists are being warned to ditch their flip-flops when driving to prevent crashes. Road safety experts say the footwear could potentially stop drivers braking properly in an emergency.
Nicholas Lyes, of IAM RoadSmart, told the Daily Star: “The fact flip-flops can slow down your ability to move your foot from one pedal to the next means there could be a delay in reacting, making it harder to brake firmly”.
Driving in flip-flops is not illegal in Britain – but Rule 97 of the Highway Code states motorists should ensure their “clothing and footwear do not prevent you using controls in the correct manner”.
And flip-flops have been at the centre of some devastating crashes in the past.
A recent IAM RoadSmart survey found 35% of motorists drove in loose or open-backed shoes during June, while 27% admitted their choice of footwear had caused them some degree of difficulty, according to the AA.
If the police stop you or your footwear causes an accident, you could face charges for driving without due care and attention – or careless driving.
Being charged with careless driving means you’ll be hit with a £100 on-the-spot fine and three penalty points added to your licence. However, in more severe cases, motorists can face fines reaching £5,000, along with up to nine penalty points.
You could even face a driving ban as the RAC advises that appropriate driving footwear should feature a sole no thicker than 10mm, whilst avoiding being too thin or soft.
They should also offer sufficient grip to prevent your foot from sliding off the pedals. Driving shoes shouldn’t restrict ankle movement or be excessively heavy or narrow.
The RAC explained: “While light, flimsy and impractical footwear can be dangerous, so can sturdy, robust shoes, such as walking or snow boots.
“It’s important to have a good base and grip to apply pressure to the pedals, but you need a certain degree of finesse to manipulate the controls. If not, you could strike the brake and accelerator together, producing a heart-in mouth situation.
“Of course, this all doesn’t stop some people, plenty of motorists do drive in shoes that afford them the proper control over the car. You wouldn’t go for a jog in high heels or flip-flops, so why use them when you’re behind the wheel.”