Do you drive in flip flops?

[Incandescentangel]

I was people watching in a coffee shop yesterday, and noticed how many people were wearing flip flops. I started wondering how many of them had driven there wearing flip flops. I have always considered it a bit dangerous so I change into a pair of shoes for driving. Am I being sensible, or am I just being ridiculous?

Precisely, that was the point I was making to that poster

Never. They can cause accidents, and it’s not worth the risk. I just keep a normal pair of shoes in the car and change into them, drive, then slip my flip flops back on before I get out.

My driving teacher wouldn't do my driving lesson once as I was wearing sandals (Tevas, firmly strapped to my feet). This is in Ireland though so maybe different. I never looked up the exact rules. He told me that if there was any accident someone would be deemed automatically at fault wearing sandals whether that had anything to do with the accident or not (in terms of insurance I think, rather than being prosecuted.)

Yes! Made it out fine and got a light bump from a guy behind me - he wasnt bothered and saw the same as me that it wasnt our fault

The guy who caused said stop sped away happy enough though 🙄

I feel the pedals better than I ever did with shoes. I must say that I am a shoe avoided in life too, never wear slippers or anything

Yes I think youre prob right 🤣🤣

It's very dangerous. They can fall off and get stuck under the pedals. It's illegal in many countries. I am aware of at least two accidents where flip flops were the cause and one was very serious.

I lived abroad in a hot country for 10 years. Me and everyone else drove in flip flops 8-10 months of the year . No idea how it could be dangerous. Never heard of anyone having an incident thanks to that particular footwear

Surely it’s the open front that’s dangerous, not the back? The pedal can get caught between your toes and the sole - that’s the issue. For those who wear Birkenstocks, do you not worry about this?

I’d love to wear flip flops - I’m always too hot in summer - but my instructor drilled it into me only ever to drive in closed toe shoes. I keep a pair of cheap flats in the boot.

Same with mine. It was 35 degrees and I was boiling but went back and put trainers on.

It’s not just that they can come off - it’s that the open toe can bend or get stuck under the pedal. Wearing shoes with backs (which are less likely to come off) won’t prevent this if they’re open toed

If I know I’m driving I put my trainers in the boot and change before/after.

I hate flip flops anyway, but I don’t drive in sandals either as it feels unsafe.

I’m exactly the same as you - I hate anything on my feet. I never voluntarily wear socks or shoes other than as a necessity when I’m leaving the house (and they come off as soon as I get home!)

When I was learning to drive the thing I found the hardest was being able to feel the pedal. In the end I learned to drive wearing soft moccasin slippers - and I took my test wearing them too!

I’ve been driving about 23 years now so I’ve gradually got better at driving in shoes. I still prefer driving in bare feet though as I feel way more in control.

No I wouldn’t feel safe! I have driven in Birkenstocks as they have 2 substantial straps but even then only a short distance, like 5 mins to the shop!

I cannot wear flip flops. Won't drive in sandals either. As about 20 years ago, I got the brake pedal between foot and sandal.

I have driven in socks after the shoes split on the sole. It was 3 miles and was so glad when I got home

And 5 minutes is all it might take!!

I’m feel safe driving in Birkenstocks as they have proper straps however I wouldn’t drive long distances in them as I prefer a proper shoe.

@Loulou4022for long distances is your preference for proper shoes based on safety?

No, I suffer with plantar fasciitis and a proper shoe with a back to it is more comfortable long distance. I don’t drive long distance in anything with too much of a heel or thick sole either.

I take them off and drive bare foot, which is actually nice on a hot day