Do you think it is safe to drive barefoot?

Question

Do you think it is safe to drive barefoot?

Answer 1

It's fine to drive barefoot. In spite of persistent myths, there are NO laws against driving barefoot. Unfortunately, this myth is so common that even some cops believe it... but everyone who believes this please see source and stop spreading this falsity.

Some cops are convinced it's unsafe and even though they know it's not illegal may try to write you up for unsafe or reckless driving, however please see the second and third link in the source, for two sites (one from the Michigan PD, one from an Australian newspaper) making it clear that driving barefoot is no more unsafe than many types of footwear that are regularly worn and could even be considered safer than many kinds of shoes.

About getting by after an accident, when you get stranded or when you have to get out of the car on a hot parkinglot; well, I've been barefoot for over ten years and walked and ran a lot of places littered in glass, without ever a cut, and I've hiked many miles without shoes. If you're a habitually barefoot, feet are tough enough to stand up to such things without worry for injury. If you're not habitually walking barefoot and only drive barefoot, it's a good idea to keep footwear in the car. In the accident itself a sturdy boot would provide protection but looking at the footwear 90% of the people (esp. women) wear in summer that would be an argument FOR closed, sturdy shoes, not AGAINST bare feet ONLY while ignoring all other summer footwear. Most summer footwear wouldn't provide any protection when heavy pieces of metal are crushing your legs, sturdy boots probably would. Just like a heavy winter coat & two sweaters would no doubt help quite a bit against the flying glass & possible metal shards, while you're far more likely to get cut up wearing a T-shirt or halter top. I'm still not going to wrap up head to toe every time I get into a car. I've never heard of even a single incident of getting an electric shock through the feet in a car!

Answer 2

I always heard it was illegal but I never knew for sure. I don't see anything wrong with it.

Answer 3

no you might stub your toe

Answer 4

Not only is it unsafe, it is illegal in most States.  Don't even think about it; buy a pair of driving shoes, if you don't want to wear your regular street shoes while driving.  Good luck!

Answer 5

My shoelace once got caught on the brake pedal and I almost crashed.

Unless your car pedals are made of broken glass it is probably  SAFER!

Answer 6

IT IS NOT ILLEGAL TO DRIVE BAREFOOT!! for cry out loud its an urban legend. there are not laws on the books for this n any state. so i dont know where that guy gets his info.

Answer 7

I do it all the time. I get a better feel on the clutch than I would with my clunky sandals and high heels.

Answer 8

It depends on the state. Check the links. YMMV.

Answer 9

I prefer bare feet over flip flops any day

Answer 10

I do not see what is unsafe about it.  And it is certainly more comfy.

Answer 11

I think it is pretty safe.  Although anyone can come up with a situation where it would be unsafe, that applies to just about anything..

What would be safer. driving barefoot or driving with 7" stilettos on?

Answer 12

All depends on what type of car you have, where you are while driving and how observant you are on the road.

I drive barefoot all the time and I have had no close calls or crashes, touch wood.

My cousin is in the Fire and Rescue Service so I asked him and he quoted most of the car accidents he has been to the people were wearing shoes.

But really it depends on the person behind the wheel.

Answer 13

LOL are you serious??

Why would you even think it's safe to drive barefoot? Doesn't mean you can't do it but you shouldn't.  There are many factors that could happen to make it not safe.

Answer 14

more than with shoes

Answer 15

It is legal in all states (although there is a common urban legend saying it isn't), but it may be dangerous if something goes wrong.  As long as the car doesn't malfunction, it's safe, but if something goes wrong then your foot could get an electric shock or something.

Answer 16

I think its fine...I do it all the time. I actualy feel like I have more controll anyway...I can better feel the vibrations and such and have a better idea what the car is doing. It has to be safer than some of the ridiculous shoes some women wear.

Answer 17

Probably. The old "don't drive barefoot rule" is from Model T days when the pedals were solid metal and got very hot.

Answer 18

I drive barefoot a lot. Not sure why it wouldn't be safe.

Answer 19

i drive shoeless more than with them

with a clutch, you can feel the vibration of when to shift and stuff

Answer 20

Is Michael Jackson Innocent?

Answer 21

I hit a snowplow while driving with bare feet. My totalled car says no to your question.

I heard that it is illegal, too.