To be worried about friend driving in flip flops?

[MargotLovedTom1]

Just that. Friend kindly offered to take my DC out for the afternoon with her DC. I just noticed last minute that she's wearing beach flip flops to drive in. They've gone off and I was left thinking I should've said something, because as far as I'm concerned flip flops are dangerous for driving in and she's got my kid in the car. They're not just popping round the corner either. But wtf could I have said without sounding like a nob?!

A normal shoe will make little difference in an accident that bad!

Be careful driving barefoot or wearing flip flops. 'If' you had an accident it could invalidate insurance.

I had never thought about it until I went to Spain on holiday and a friend told me it’s illegal to drive with them. Made me think, and I’ve never driven in them since because I think there’s a good reason!

Not a huge amount, possibly, but would you rather have bare feet or a pair of leather shoes on it that scenario?
The person who told me had worked for years in A and E.

If you can't brake properly then I think it can make a difference Sirzy.
I wouldn't want to take the chance anyway.

Sorry I didn't realise you were referring to Haverhill's post.

I had an accident whilst driving in flipflops - the thongy bit broke as i put my foot on the brake and my leg shot forward. Luckily i didn't hit another car just the pavement. Luckily i had no passengers. My insurance didn't pay out for the damage to my car because i wasn't wearing suitable footwear. Have never done it since, of course, and feel grateful that it could have been a terrible accident but wasn't.

I meant a difference in terms of injury from a accident which caused the front of a car to crumble as mentioned by a PP. if you have an accident bad enough to teap limbs then I am not sure a normal leather shoe would do anything to provide notable protection!

After reading the thread, I’ll drive in shoes in the future

“I’ve never had a problem”

I’ve never needed my seatbelt. I still wear one because it’s dangerous not to.

I can see that it's unlikely that an accident will occur from wearing flip flops, but there is a slightly greater risk and I can't see the benefit that would out way the even slightly increased risk.

I know it is illegal to drive in flip flops in Portugal.

Yanbu. I had a friend who crashed her car and wrote it off and ended up in hospital for a few weeks, driving in flipflops. They got caught on the petrol. Vvvv stupid thing to do. I wouldnt get in a car with someone driving in flipflops.

I live in Portugal and wear flip flops pretty much all year round. Never had a problem

Ha ha ha come to Australia!

Just read this thread thought and cant believe that mntters are driving in flip flops. Im slightly shocked now and worried. Seriously if you seen how badly hunt my friend was because she couldnt break as her flip flop got caught on the petal. She got nothing for her car so lost £3000 and had to manage without a car as no money to replace it. Stupid. Yes nothing has happened but you wear a seatbelt and hopefully nothing has happened. If your lack of suitable shoes kills someone in another car youve no insurance as insurance company surely will cancel your insurance. How you pay for their injuries, their car and yours.

I've drove in flip flops once, but didn't like it as couldn't apply enough pressure to the pedals. Thin soled trainers or slip ons are the best for driving I find.

Is this just flip flops or any kind of heelless sandle?

Does no one else keep a pair of trainers in the car. It’s dangerous to drive in flip flops and super high heels and in bare feet it must be unconfortabkd. I have an old pair of trainers in the boot that I wear when I need them. Also if I had to walk for assistance etc then flip flops or high heels are not gonna cut it. I’ve driven to a wedding in full formal cocktail dress, fascinator and my trainers on with my beautiful sparkly heels in the boot. In the winter I chuck in my waterproof hiking boots in case I ever get snowbound and have to abandon the car. It’s simple two minute thing that could save your life.

I used to live abroad and drove in flip flops. I didn't realise it was dangerous. Until one day when it got wedged under a pedal and I almost had an accident. It's terrifying when it happens as you can't reach down under the wheel to pull it out.
Because it seems bizarre, I think you almost have to have it happen to you, in order to understand the danger. I'd never drive in them again.

I don't find driving with bare feet uncomfortable Fluffyears. It's not like my car is full of sharp pebbles. I do throw trainers in the back in case of a breakdown though.

It is not appropriate footwear for driving, as the flipflop can get caught in the peddle, and loose control of the car.

I used to drive in flip flops until my daughter returned from a driving lesson say we weren't allowed to in uk , I now drive bare foot .
I have no idea if she was telling me the truth or had her facts straight though.

I am learning to drive UK, Paranoia, that is what my driving instructor has told me.

I keep a spare pair of shoes in the car most of the time or if I have to I'd rather drive barefoot than drive in flip flops. I think most EVA/foam flip flops would just buckle under the force of your foot hard on the break but I don't want to risk it. I also find my feet slip around too much without sides on my shoes.

Plenty of people are obviously happy to do it tho so I wouldn't worry too much