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AIBU?

To wear flip flops while driving?

53 replies

Runningjustasfastasican · 12/04/2011 22:21

Am I?

I have this argument with my Dad every summer! I feel that I can drive comfortably and safely. I've never had an accident so do you consider flip flops to be inappropriate driving footwear?!

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Hulababy · 12/04/2011 22:23

I drive in flip flops with no problems. I can drive in all my shoes - flats, heels, boots, flip flops, sandals, etc.

DH however finds it difficult to drive in certain shoes.

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tallulahxhunny · 12/04/2011 22:23

apparently its illegal, a hackney driver got done last year by police for wearing jesus sandals instead of shoes !!

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5inthebed · 12/04/2011 22:24

I can;t drive in flip flops, it's just not possible. I have to hav a pair of driving shoes in my car to change into if I am wearing flip flops.

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bubblecoral · 12/04/2011 22:25

I can drive perfectly well in flip flops, I've never even though about it tbh! You obviously have a skill your your dad doesn't have when it comes to driving!

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MmeSurvivedLent · 12/04/2011 22:27

I seem to remember reading somewhere that if you have an accident, that you may have problems getting your insurance company to pay out if you were wearing unsuitable footwear.

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YouaretooniceNOT · 12/04/2011 22:27

YANBU! I have strated to drive in my flip flops last year and this!

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ChippingInMistressSteamMop · 12/04/2011 22:27

Of course you aren't!

NZ & AUS would grind to a halt if it was unreasonable to drive in flip flops!

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jenga079 · 12/04/2011 22:27

I take them off and drive barefoot. There's something really liberating about it.

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strandedbear · 12/04/2011 22:28

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Sparklingblue · 12/04/2011 22:29

Surely the bear foot would be cumbersome?

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pinkem · 12/04/2011 22:30

I don't think there is a law against flip flops, however if you were involved in an accident your footwear would be taken into consideration.

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FunnysInTheGarden · 12/04/2011 22:31

I would never drive in a bear foot, but have no problem in flipflops. YANBU

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Runningjustasfastasican · 12/04/2011 22:31

That's what he says MSL

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Hulababy · 12/04/2011 22:31

How can it be illegal? Is therereally some statute somewhere that sayswe have to wear specific footwear in order to drive?

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Sparklingblue · 12/04/2011 22:31

Ash, just spotted that you are a stranded bear, so I guess you have no choice

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drfayray · 12/04/2011 22:32

Sparklingblue, I agree as I think the oversized claws could touch the other pedals and cause problems.

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Runningjustasfastasican · 12/04/2011 22:33

Not sure I could drive barefoot. I'll take my flip flops off next time I'm leaving their house - he'll really crack up

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Runningjustasfastasican · 12/04/2011 22:34

Very good sparkling :)

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tallulahxhunny · 12/04/2011 22:35

www.safermotoring.co.uk/appropriate-footwear-when-driving.html

apparently not illegal after all!

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ChunkyPickle · 12/04/2011 22:36

What difference does wearing shoes make (drove in flipflops all the time when living in tropical countries)?

What possible grounds would the insurance company have?

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AnnoyingOrange · 12/04/2011 22:38

It's illegal in Spain

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ChunkyPickle · 12/04/2011 22:41

From tallulah's link:
'The brake and accelerator are both operated by the heel of the foot'

Not by me they aren't - size 3 feet means my heel doesn't touch the ground most of the time for the clutch and brake (boy did I ache as my muscles got used to the position when learning to drive)

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onepieceoflollipop · 12/04/2011 22:44

I have had several car accidents and had to fill in several insurance claim forms. I have never been asked to identify what I was wearing on my feet at the time. The first form I filled in was 21 years ago when I was 18. More recently I filled a form in about 4 years ago.

fwiw I find flip flops quite flimsy and would find them uncomfortable to drive in. I would worry about the pedal getting between my flipflop and my foot iykwim. However I cannot comment on other people finding them safe/comfortable to drive in.

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Runningjustasfastasican · 12/04/2011 22:52

I've definitely driven in Spain wearing them! I'll not be doing that again.

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HipHopopotomus · 12/04/2011 23:04

I agree with chippingin nz and oz wld be stuffed if you couldn't drive in jandals (flip flops). I drove in them today actually in London - 38 weeks pg and this hot weather of late has got my feet swelling up! Very comfy they are too even if my 3 year old called mr up on them! Why are you wearing flip flops to work mummy! :)

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