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<b>A STEP IN THE WRONG DIRECTION:</b> You might believe you’re quite capable of driving barefoot however you’re putting youself and other road users at risk. <i>Image: SHUTTERTSTOCK</i>
Crash avoidance and bringing a vehicle to a sudden stop requires not only effective brakes, but also the ability to react swiftly and apply adequate pressure to the brake pedal.
Despite this awareness few drivers pay enough attention to the footwear that would best enable them to control their vehicles safely! In a recent survey many female drivers confessed that their choice of what to wear is based on what goes best with their outfit rather than what is the safest footwear to drive.
If you had to choose between driving in high heels, flip-flops or barefoot, the safest option would be with your feet naked.
Some drivers find it easier to drive barefoot though this poses its own risks:
1 The clutch may require heavy pressure to be applied especially if it’s an older car.
2 The class is relatively small pedal requiring drivers to exert a lot of pressure on the ball of their foot. The sole of a shoe distributes pressure evenly.
3 Repeated use of the clutch could end up being painful, causing cramp or other spasms in the foot and reducing the ability of the driver to effectively appropriate a vehicle.
4 Operating pedals with wet feet is dangerous as pedals can become slippery.
5 Nylon socks or tights can reduce traction between your foot and the pedals.
6 Your foot could slip off the pedal due to insufficient grip.
7 In the unfortunate event of a crash, appropriate driving shoes are likely to offer a reduction in foot injury. In cases of traffic crashes you may tread on broken glass and debris and sustain major injuries.
Check out the dangers of various types of footwear:
Driving in flip flops
Driving in high heels and platform shoes
For more information, visit Arrive Alive.
Despite this awareness few drivers pay enough attention to the footwear that would best enable them to control their vehicles safely! In a recent survey many female drivers confessed that their choice of what to wear is based on what goes best with their outfit rather than what is the safest footwear to drive.
If you had to choose between driving in high heels, flip-flops or barefoot, the safest option would be with your feet naked.
Some drivers find it easier to drive barefoot though this poses its own risks:
1 The clutch may require heavy pressure to be applied especially if it’s an older car.
2 The class is relatively small pedal requiring drivers to exert a lot of pressure on the ball of their foot. The sole of a shoe distributes pressure evenly.
3 Repeated use of the clutch could end up being painful, causing cramp or other spasms in the foot and reducing the ability of the driver to effectively appropriate a vehicle.
4 Operating pedals with wet feet is dangerous as pedals can become slippery.
5 Nylon socks or tights can reduce traction between your foot and the pedals.
6 Your foot could slip off the pedal due to insufficient grip.
7 In the unfortunate event of a crash, appropriate driving shoes are likely to offer a reduction in foot injury. In cases of traffic crashes you may tread on broken glass and debris and sustain major injuries.
Check out the dangers of various types of footwear:
Driving in flip flops
Driving in high heels and platform shoes
For more information, visit Arrive Alive.
