Why is it "dangerous" to drive barefoot?

Sheriam

It's fine to drive barefoot. In spite of persistent myths, there are NO laws against driving barefoot. Unfortunately, this myth is so common that even some cops believe it... but everyone who believes this please see source and stop spreading this falsity.

Some cops are convinced it's unsafe and even though they know it's not illegal may try to write you up for unsafe or reckless driving, however please see the second and third link in the source, for two sites (one from the Michigan PD, one from an Australian newspaper) making it clear that driving barefoot is no more unsafe than many types of footwear that are regularly worn and could even be considered safer than many kinds of shoes.

About getting into an accident; if you're a regular barefooter, then glass isn't a problem. I've been barefoot for over ten years, regularly run at places with lots of litter (I'm not a driver myself, I use public transport and I'm not a morning person so I tend to have to run full speed at train stations to catch my train, and there's freshly broken bottles there with some regularity). Yet I get a tiny splinter maybe once a year and I have NEVER had a cut. I don't even mind when I go to the recycling center. Feet that are regularly barefoot get very, very tough, far more so than people wearing shoes generally think. Also, loose footwear would likely be lost in a crash anyhow (not just flipflops but even slip-on shoes that cover the entire foot could easily be lost), and you wouldn't hear anyone use this argument when someone is wearing a pair of loafers!

Anastasia Beaverhousen

I drive barefoot a lot. I have shoes in the car with me, but prefer not to wear them while driving. I have a manual transmission, and I have not worn out my clutch at all driving barefoot. If it feels good, do it!

The Mr. Pine

It is not a problem. Listen to yourself.

Anthony P

I drive barefoot all the time. It's hard enough to drive with flip-flops on, and pretty much impossible to drive a manual with them on. I find that I get a better feel for the pedal, especially the clutch, while barefoot. As for not hitting the pedal as hard, I'm not familiar with any cars that put spikes on the break pedal so I don't think anyone is going to be flinching or easing onto it in an emergency. The only problem is if you get into an accident and there is glass, gravel etc on the ground. But if that's the case, stepping on glass may be the least of your worries.

barefootinquisitor

it is not anymore dangerous ,just people may think so because it is just bare feet

UCANTCME

Well if you think about it, it really makes sense that you would have better control of the gas and brake pedals if you drove barefooted and is it legal............................

YES!!! (At least in the United States, Canada, and England; I don't know about other countries.) The statement to the contrary is urban folklore and believed by so many people, even some police officers.

However, if you call either your local or state police and ask them, they will say it's legal. If the cop on the phone says otherwise, ask him/her to give you the statute number. S/he won't be able to and then will admit their mistake.

INXSDude

I would strongly recommend checking out some of the links regarding driving barefoot.

There are ZERO US states that have laws prohibiting barefoot driving.

This has been verified countless times. This has appeared in newspapers, and even "urban myth" shows.

Anyway, don't take my word for it. Check out some links people have posted.

Peter F

Its not dangerous to drive barefoot - nor is it against the law. The site below has a lot of barefoot facts and also de-bunks myths about barefooting. some states actually deemed it safer to drive barefoot than having some other types of footwear.

http://web.archive.org/web/20030618105020/http://www.urbanlegends.com/legal/driving.barefoot/driving_barefoot.html

Fred C

Flip flops and high heels are dangerous to drive in, for sure. The best driving shoes are walking shoes, and similar. The have good support for the foot and ankle. If you drive barefoot, and are in an accident, you may find yourself stumbling about barefoot in gravel and glass. Don't believe it can't happen, I was first upon such a scene and gave first aid to a couple of pretty messed up feet whel we waited for the police and ambulance. Plus, in the winter, your feet will get cold!

Driving in flip-flops is also dangerous - in many places, it's actually illegal. However, the sole of your foot should be protected so that the pedals don't hurt your foot, since this could prevent you from pushing on the pedals (especially the brake) as hard as you may need (if it starts to hurt, you will instinctively ease up on the pedal pressure, possibly causing an accident.)

Good luck!

HanZ

try to driver a standard transmission with bare foot, you will wear out your clutch in no time.

kemosabbe

Bottom line, wear regular shoes so you don't have to find out the hard way. What if you broke down at night and had to walk for help? An accident? How about running for your life because someone is trying to get you? I know I prefer shoes!

Andres C

Have you heard of the saying $hit happens! Things happen when you drive. take off shoes or flip flops they can get in the way . They can prevent you from applying brake or gas pedal.

What happens if you get in an accident and need to leave the car ASAP. Glass, hot asphalt and other things on the road can injure you.

In an accident your lower body has nothing to restrain it. They hit what ever is in front of them.

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