With summer upon us, UK motorists are being warned to think twice about their choice of shoes when behind the wheel.
While flip flops offer comfort and convenience, they are not considered an especially good choice of footwear for drivers.
So much so, the Highway Code advises against wearing them when driving due to the risk of them sliding over the pedals, or getting stuck beneath them.
And, while wearing flip flops is not illegal, the consequences of doing so could land you with a hefty fine, if they cause your driving to become dangerous.
Wearing flip flops may be cooler than regular shoes in hot weather, but wearing them while driving could land you with a hefty fine (File image)
Rule 97 of the Highway Code states that the footwear and clothing you choose to wear must not prevent you from using the vehicle’s controls in the correct manner.
It specifically states: ‘Footwear cannot prevent you using the controls in the correct manner.’
The careless driving offence carries a £100 fine and three penalty points on your licence.
In a more serious case, or it gets contested in court, the charge can attract a maximum £5,000 fine, up to nine penalty points and even a court-imposed driving ban.
Similar to wearing flip flops, driving barefoot is also not illegal, but is again something that is heavily advised against by driving experts.
There are plenty of things to consider when you get behind the wheel, and the shoes you choose can be one of them (File image)
The Driving Standards Agency state that suitable shoes are of vital importance while you’re behind the wheel.
They advise against anyone driving barefoot, because they will not have the same braking force compared to wearing shoes.
It isn’t illegal to drive in slippers either, but it could again result in a criminal charge if you’re in an accident and the police note that you’re not wearing suitable footwear.
Therefore, it is important to ensure that you have complete control over the pedals whilst driving – and that means making a sensible choice about footwear.
And, the RAC suggests drivers don’t wear shoes that have soles that are more than 10mm in thickness.
Drivers have also been advised that they should not wear footwear with a sole that’s too soft or thin, shoes that are too heavy should be avoided, as well as those that limit ankle movement.
The experts have also recommended that shoes have enough grip to ensure your feet don’t slip off the pedals, and they’re narrow enough not to accidentally press two pedals at once.
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