Many people choose fashion over safety when driving. A survey commissioned by price comparison website Confused.com found that 40 percent of women drive in high heels, 39 percent wear flip flops and 24 percent prefer bare feet. Sixteen percent also admitted to driving in slippers while only 34 percent said they drove in sensible shoes.
A simulator study has shown that moving the foot between the brake and the pedal in high heels was 0.13 seconds slower. This could be the difference between braking with enough space or colliding into the back of another vehicle. In addition, 10 percent of people admit that they’ve had their flip-flop get stuck underneath the pedal. With all this in mind, it’s about time we all make better decisions on footwear when driving and not let how we want to look cloud our judgment.
What Is the Safest Footwear to Drive in?
The best footwear for driving is a comfortable, flat, rubber-soled shoe — something that gives you traction and easy mobility between pedals. Wearing sensible footwear to drive doesn’t mean you have to pass up on looking good, though. An on-trend pair of Vans sneakers are perfect to drive in while still keeping your feet stylish.
Options Besides Wearing Heels When Driving
If you just can’t go without heels, an innovative designer has come up with an answer for you. A conceptual footwear design from Sheila’s Wheels, called the Sheila Driving Heel, is a comfortable, flat driving shoe that converts into a glamorous pair of heels at the push of a button, thanks to a folding stiletto. Now you can have the best of both worlds!
If you have that perfect pedicure you just need to show off at all times, Sheila’s Wheels has also come up with a flip-flop add-on that ensures you can drive safely. The specially designed flip-flop straps fit snugly over your flip-flop, giving you more support at the heel and more traction to the pedal. This accessory can easily be scrunched up a fitted into a handbag or your glove compartment for when you need it.
What About Driving Barefoot?
Many people think it’s fine to just take off their heels when driving, but this still doesn’t eliminate safety concerns. Driving barefoot is not considered safe as your foot can easily slip off the pedal due to perspiration. Pressing down on the pedals also causes a lot of pressure on the ball of the foot and could cause cramping.
Even though there aren’t any laws preventing you from driving barefoot (this is a common myth), it doesn’t mean it’s a good way to drive. If you want to be totally safe, ensure you have appropriate driving shoes. The best way is to stay prepared and plan ahead. Always keep a pair of sturdy driving shoes in your vehicle. Don’t wait till you have an accident to make changes.
