To wear flip flops while driving?

[Runningjustasfastasican]

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?!

[Browncoats]

Well I'm glad to hear it's not illegal after all. I'd be completely screwed in the summer if it was.

[PrettyCandles]

When I learned to drive 20+ years ago, my instructor allowed me to drive in whatever footwear I liked, even barefoot. He said that, because it was important to be able to feel the pedals and operate them freely, a soft, thin sole with no heel was better than thick, stiff soles or killer heels.

[CurrySpice]

I can and do drive in heels, flats, flip flops, bare feet, trainers, whatever

[DoubleNegativePanda]

I always drive in flip flops. We wear them ten months out of the year, so I'd be screwed if I wasn't allowed!

[crystalglasses]

I would worry that they might slip off while I was driving

[otchayaniye]

I used to ride a Kawasaki Ninja sportsbike (until I was 4 months pregnant) in Singapore and Malaysia in flip flops sometimes (and t-shirt and open face helmet that wasn't the best fit)

I cringe when I think about it now.

[Nando95]

TBH I find big ugg style boots harder to drive in especially when the soles are so large u hit 2 pedals at once!!! Although I do know of a case where a womans flip flop came off and got stuck under the pedals causing her to lose control and kill someone in my local asda carpark- but there are horror stories about everything arent there and if u feel safe then carry on- life is full of risks!!

[RevoltingPeasant]

I can't drive in big boots, like hiking boots, but otherwise fine.

I did have a special pair of driving shoes for when I did my test though; just Kickers boots, but with a very flat, grippy sole.

[JanMorrow]

I have driven in flip flops when I've forgotten more suitable shoes but I'm not comfortable doing it, it feels really unsafe (as they can slip off/under the pedals).

[stoatie]

www.radar-detectors.co.uk/news_flip_flop_road_hazard.asp

"The Driving Standards Agency advises: ?Wear sensible clothing for driving, especially on a long journey. Suitable shoes are particularly important. We also would not recommend driving barefoot because you don't have the same braking force with bare feet as you do wearing shoes.? "

[MmeSurvivedLent]

Not advisable in Switzerland - if you have an accident you could be liable for damages or your insurance may not pay up.

[thumbwitch]

I thought it was illegal to drive in flipflops or barefoot as well - just amazing how these urban myths circulate, isn't it! Mind you, I have tried driving barefoot and I wouldn't do it regularly because there is no way you could stand on the brakes with the same force barefoot in the case of an emergency.

I don't like to drive in flipflops because they are too flimsy and flop around too much and I'd worry about them getting stuck where they shouldn't.

[exhausted2011]

oh dear, never given it a thought, I drive in flipflops all the time

[Meglet]

yabu.

My driving instructor said it was fine to drive barefoot though, so I often do it in summer. Safer than flip-flops.

I won't drive in heels or wellies either.

[MixedClassBaby]

Can't stop laughing. Images of flip-flop police and driving bears... Is it illegal in France, what would Philippe Flop do if it is?

[Meow75]

I find they don't support my foot enough, and they get sore if I go more than about 5 miles. In rural Lincs, that doesn't get you much.

[heliumballoons]

I thought it was illegal - but then I was living in Tenerife when I owned my 1st car so perhaps thats why if its illegal in Spain?

I have a pair of old crocs in the car to drive in as thought you couldn't in flip flops.

Can't drive barefoot or in wellies at all.

[givequicheachance]

I drive in flipsflops most days of the year.

I would say it is safe for me to drive in flipflops. Obviously it isn't for some posters on this thread.

It's a personal judgement call.

[bumblingbovine]

I don't drive long distances in flip fops but I do sometimes if it is a quick local trip. I can't drive in my walking boots because he soles are too thick and I don't feel I have enough control of the pedals.

Generally I try and drive in shoes that have a back (could be a sandal/slingback) and that are flexible (most shoes fit this bill except for big walking boots with cleats). there are definitely some shoes that I don't like driving in and flip flops would come under those.

Driving in bare feet would not suit me either, I imagine I the pedals would irritate/hurt my feet and that would distract me..

[thumbwitch]

I can drive in wellies all right but it's not my first choice, especially if they're muddy - too dangerous from the point of view of them slipping off the pedals. Have had an accident before when my shoe, that had snow on it, slipped off the brake pedal - bloody annoying!

[IAmTheCookieMonster]

I can't drive in flats, my feet don't reach the pedals properly!

[unsurevalentine]

Its illegal to drive in jandles (flip-flops) in NZ acutually....excuse me if this has already been pointed out...

[unsurevalentine]

actually