Driving while wearing flip-flops

[psr13]

When my sisters and I are wearing flip flops, we take them off and put them in front of the passenger chair. We don’t leave them on the driver side so they don’t get stuck under a pedal, and we don’t leave them on. It doesn’t seem safe to us, either.

 

[psr13]

I don’t think it’s safe, but as far as I can tell, virtually all young women do it, so in this case, the common argument that “everybody else does it” has some truth to it… (I do know one woman who caused a minor accident because her flip-flops got tangled in the pedals though.)

Driving barefoot is worse, because it will inhibit the driver from slamming the brake pedal hard (and painfully) in an emergency.

I’ve slammed pretty hard on the brakes with no shoes on before.

 

[Sr_Sally]

This is what I do too–take my shoes off and put them on the passenger side. I do that with all types of shoes–not just flips.

 

[LittleMother]

an 18 year old is an adult and is old enough to decide what kind of shoes to wear.

I agree. I would sugest that you and your husband just tell her your opinion and the reasons behind it and any research supporting it and then let it go, there are bigger fish to fry.

 

[lizziebits]

A 2005 Norwich Union Motor Insurance survey revealed that flip-flops are the most dangerous type of shoe to drive in. One thousand motorists were quizzed, with three-quarters saying that they found them difficult to drive in , yet a quarter admitted to doing it regularly!

This is a quote from the above links. I might be reading it wrong, but are they saying conclusively that flips flops are the most dangerous shoe to drive in because people say that they find them to difficult to drive in? If so, that’s hardly compelling evidence.

I think heels are impossible to drive in, and never do. I have never had a problem with flip flops, and that is all I wear all summer long.

 

[Sabda]

I also think this is a battle that is not worth fighting for.

I personally have run into problems while wearing secure shoes, so flip flops are not the only things that “might” cause you an accident. Yes, the shoes fit properly. Even with secure shoes on your foot can slids off at the wrong time or gets stuck underneath the petal. I have had both of those things happen while driving with secure shoes on.

I would let her wear what she wants while driving. Chances are very high that if she does get in an accident it’s not going to be because of her shoes.

I would listen to LittleMother’s advice. Give her your opinion and then drop it.

 

[Joan_M]

I’ve been reading the posts with interest and I agree with those who believe that wearing flip-flops while driving is not a good idea.

I do not do it - mostly because where I live (Trinidad & Tobago, West Indies) it is illegal to drive barefoot or with flip-flops on, but also because it would feel most uncomfortable.

I imagine it is against the law here because it is considered dangerous.

 

[GraceDK]

My 18-yr-old daughter wants to wear flip flops when she drives. (You know, those sandals which are held on the feet with just a thong and two straps over the toes.) Her father and I think that’s a dangerous situation. We want her to wear more secure footwear. She thinks we’re being unreasonable. Are we?

You are not being unreasonable. Every year accidents happen because of the wrong kind of foot wear. I heard that in the news today actually. The kind of shoes that you mention were especially mentioned. So were high heels and even bare feet…

I heard some expert say that the best drinving shoes are those that are firm around the foot. That is, real shoes.
Thats common sense.

 

[BiologyBrain]

I’m a bit skeptical about the “special scientific studies” done in this article about flip flops & driving. However, I’ve heard of it before. This article also says not to wear trainers (ie cross-training shoes, running shoes, hiking boots, etc) b/c their soles are too thick to ‘feel’ the pedals. My guess is that their sort of advocating the use of special ‘driving’ shoes. The following article is a little more indepth than the DIY article posted previously. However, neither of them actually list resources for the scientific studies proving flip flops are dangerous. I also disagree w/ using your heel to drive (DIY article). My heel doesn’t touch the pedal at all & I don’t see how it could on the brake pedal.

autotips.plentycar.com/proper-driving-footwear/

I personally drive both barefoot & w/ flip flops - it just depends on my mood at the time & the fit of my shoes. I think high heels are the WORST shoes to drive in & that’s generally when I drive barefooted (or stocking-footed).

From what I can find online there is no obvious and/or researchable information out there specifically regarding driving in flip-flops. Without research (ie actual statistics, etc), its merely a myth and/or maybe a good idea to require certain footwear. However, its not very well-researched while other driving hazards are. I think the PPs that indicate this is definitely a time to choose your battles are on the right track. Good luck.

 

[Tosk]

I’ve been reading the posts with interest and I agree with those who believe that wearing flip-flops while driving is not a good idea.

I do not do it - mostly because where I live (Trinidad & Tobago, West Indies) it is illegal to drive barefoot or with flip-flops on, but also because it would feel most uncomfortable.

I imagine it is against the law here because it is considered dangerous.

I’ve driven in Trinidad before and people driving with flip flops would be the least of my concerns. I found the style of driving was the most white knuckle, pedal to the metal style of driving out of anywhere I have ever been. I was saying the rosary every time I got in a car until the time I got out.

 

[shannyk]

I’ve been reading the posts with interest and I agree with those who believe that wearing flip-flops while driving is not a good idea.

I do not do it - mostly because where I live (Trinidad & Tobago, West Indies) it is illegal to drive barefoot

or with flip-flops on, but also because it would feel most uncomfortable.

I imagine it is against the law here because it is considered dangerous.

I was going to mention…I’d check your local because I know here in WI and in IL it is illegal to drive without shoes on. Flips are legal but IMHO a really bad idea. They can get caught on brake pedals and also fold under your foot and get caught on the floor mat.

I’m sure most people haven’t had a problem with them when driving, but it only takes that one time to need to slam on the brakes split second and you can’t because your flip is stuck. I don’t think it’s reckless but not wise IMHO. I LOVE wearing flip flops and wear them until it’s snowing here, but I have some slip in converse rubber bottomed slip on shoes that I keep in the car for driving. I also take of my high heels when driving on the rare occasion I’m wearing some.

On a side note, I can’t imagine having to brake hard and suddenly in bare feet. With the anti lock brakes especially, pushing back at you, you’d need more secure footing.

Just googled danger driving flip flops and quite a few news stories of accidents related to come up.

And to answer the original question, no I don’t think the OP is being unreasonable:thumbsup: Kids need to remember too, that driving is a privilage and if she wants to use your car, your rules need to be followed.

 

[SMHW]

I don’t like driving with flip flops. My solution is to drive barefoot, which I really like. I doubt though if your daughter is comfortable driving with flip flops that it is anything dangerous. Driving with friends in the car is probably much more dangerous. At some point you have to let your daughter decide what she can manage. I would avoid controlling the smaller choices in her life.

Ha! My youngest daughter kicks her right flip flop off into the passenger side of the car when she drives (she only has her permit so I’m sitting there to see it) and then drives with a bare right foot. We haven’t tried driving the manual transmission with flip flops (she’s only tried driving that car once or twice total) so maybe she’ll have to kick off the left flip flop too!

 

[SMHW]

I also take of my high heels when driving on the rare occasion I’m wearing some.

On a side note, I can’t imagine having to brake hard and suddenly in bare feet. With the anti lock brakes especially, pushing back at you, you’d need more secure footing.

Here in California it is legal to drive barefoot and I have occasionally done so. But, it does make sense to have better footwear. It is actually less tiring on long trips. And I can tell you from personal experience that the feet and/or toes take a beating during front impact accidents. Bare feet tend to slip off of pedals easier too. But I think driving in high heels (more than an inch and a half or so) may be more dangerous than flip flops.

And to answer the original question, no I don’t think the OP is being unreasonable:thumbsup: Kids need to remember too, that driving is a privilage and if she wants to use your car, your rules need to be followed.

And that is the most important point. Even if Mom and Dad drive with inappropriate footwear, if the teen wants to drive, then parents’ car = parents’ rules. (However if the parents want the teen to listen, setting a good example is a good idea.)