Driving Barefoot

There are plenty of times you might want to let your “dogs breathe”! After a Sunday league soccer game, hanging out on the beach with friends, or lounging around home before you go to bed are all perfectly acceptable and socially normal times to go without shoes. There is, however, a misconception that exists regarding driving barefoot.  For some reason, it has become a widespread myth that operating an automobile while barefoot is illegal. While it may appeal to your better judgment to not drive barefoot, there are absolutely no laws stating that this act is illegal. Just ask state trooper Alyson Burch, Derrick Carroll, or Mike Church and Jill Bennett. In fact, driving barefoot is not only completely legal in Michigan, but in all 50 states.

The Best (and Worst) Driving Footwear

Although the practice is discouraged by some police departments on the basis that your feet can more easily slip off the pedals and are more prone to injury in the case of a serious accident—driving barefoot remains legal, nonetheless. This raises the question: Is there optimal footwear to wear while driving (if driving barefoot is supposedly dangerous in the eyes of some police departments)? The answer to this question is yes, there is both optimal driving footwear, as well as footwear that can pose a potential hazard when you are behind the wheel.

Optimal Footwear: There is a wide range of safe footwear options when it comes to automobile operation. Sneakers with a flat sole and secure fit are the best shoes for driving. They allow for easy pivoting between the brake and accelerator and do little to obstruct the feeling of the pedals beneath your feet. Like well-fitting sneakers, a good pair of driving shoes can make for a very enjoyable experience while driving. These shoes are designed with drivers in mind and feature thin soles to allow for accurate pedal feel and increased responsiveness. They also commonly have rubber elements on the heel of the shoe to give your foot a solid base to pivot on. While not practical for everyone, driving shoes are a way to take your passion for driving to another level, while also increasing your safety behind the wheel.

Footwear to Avoid: While there are few specific criteria for a good driving shoe, countless shoes fall short and pose potential risks behind the wheel. Any style of shoe that doesn’t secure to your heel presents issues for driving. They can make it hard to pivot between pedals and run the risk of falling off. For these reasons, it is good to avoid footwear like flip flops and mules (slides) while driving. In addition, it is never a good idea to take your shoes off and leave them near the pedals while driving. Shoes, as well as any other object, can potentially get jammed beneath a pedal and prevent you from stopping your car properly.  In a similar vein to shoes without a heel cup, shoes with an elevated heel (like high heels and wedges) are not advisable for driving. They can make it hard to transition between pedals and put your foot into a strained, unnatural position. The last type of footwear you want to generally avoid is boots (like work boots or cowboy boots). This type of footwear is often more cumbersome than regular shoes and can make your feet feel crowded while driving. They also regularly feature thick, durable soles, which can make it very hard to feel the pedal and gauge how much pressure you are applying.

Conclusion

Driving barefoot is totally legal in Michigan, despite what you may have heard. While it is legal, driving barefoot does arguably present some risks which you should consider before you try it yourself. It is also important to consider how different types of shoes can affect your ability to drive safely. If you have found yourself in an accident recently as the result of someone’s improper footwear choice (or any other form of negligence) reach out to injury attorney David Femminineo right away! David and his team at Femminineo Law will take care of you and guide you through the lawsuit process step by step. Rest assured that if you get David, you will get paid for your injuries and hardship.

Call now for a free consultation.