As parts of the UK brace for rising temperatures, drivers are being warned about a common summer mistake that could have tragic results.
Southern and eastern parts of the UK are on the brink of a mini heatwave and while Scotland’s weather won’t see a huge difference, there’s still hope for an improvement. Scots will no doubt take advantage of the warmth when it comes, but they’ve now been warned to take care when driving to their sunny destinations, particularly if they’re tempted to wear flip-flops behind the wheel.
Flip-flops may be the footwear of choice during scorching days at the beach or pool, but they are not recommended for driving, as one woman has taken to social media to remind motorists ahead of the rise in temperatures.
On TikTok, Stacey Green, author and registered holistic nutritionist, urged her followers: “Don’t drive in flip flops. This is a seasonal reminder if you live somewhere where it’s flip flop season.”
Stacey recounted a heartbreaking video she saw of a father raising awareness after his daughter died in a car accident. Stacey said the young girl had tried to brake, but her flip-flop got stuck under the pedal, preventing her from stopping in time, leading to her fatal accident. “It was a terrible story and I’ve never forgotten it,” she concluded.
In the UK, driving in flip-flops is not illegal, as long as you can safely control your vehicle. However, RAC breakdown specialists warn that if your choice of footwear leads to an accident, you could face a fine of up to £5,000.
Rule 97 of the Highway Code insists that drivers’ clothing and footwear must not impede their ability to control their vehicle effectively. The Driving Standards Agency, which oversees driving tests in the UK, advises: “It is particularly important to wear suitable footwear when driving. We do not recommend driving barefoot because you do not have the same braking power with bare feet as you would with shoes on.”
Drivers are advised to follow certain best practices when choosing their driving shoes. Ideally, the shoe should have a sole no thicker than 10 mm, but it should not be too thin or too soft, to ensure sufficient grip to prevent the pedals from slipping.
Shoes should not be excessively heavy or restrict ankle movement; they should also be tight enough to prevent accidentally pressing two pedals at once.
