Put your best foot forward for safer driving

Motorists who choose to drive in the wrong kind of footwear are not only putting themselves at risk, but other road users too.

Lady with lots of shoesAnd a Shropshire insurance expert has warned that driving in high heels, flip-flops or even bare feet could actually make your insurance cover null and void if you have an accident.

Jenny Osborne, from Henshalls Insurance Brokers in Newport and Shrewsbury, said a national survey had revealed some incredible results.

“The research was carried out by uSwitch.com, and the statistics really are unbelievable. For instance, one in five motorists admitted to driving barefoot, and 12 per cent of drivers said they had stalled their car because their shoes made controlling the pedals difficult.

“Amazingly, eight per cent of women revealed they wore shoes in the driving seat that they actually struggled to walk in, and with the weather now warming up, it’s clear that drivers’ footwear choices are likely to get even worse.”

Jenny said although it was not illegal to drive wearing inappropriate shoes, or even no shoes at all, an insurer could decide it was enough evidence to suggest dangerous driving if you had an accident. “And they may even decide not to pay out at all if they feel your shoes were the reason for the crash.”

Jenny said even though pumps and trainers were the favourite choices for most drivers, they may not always be the safest option because the thickness of their soles could make it difficult to judge how much pressure the driver was putting on the pedals.

“There’s some useful advice available from the RAC when it comes to driving shoes, and motorists would be wise to take notice of their suggestions,” said Jenny.

They advise the sole of the shoe should be no thicker than 10mm, and it shouldn’t be too thin or soft either. The RAC said motorists should choose footwear that gave enough grip to stop their feet slipping off the pedals but that wasn’t too heavy, and that didn’t limit ankle movement. “Most importantly, it’s wise to choose shoes that are narrow enough to avoid the driver accidentally catching two pedals at once.

“So the sensible option is if you’re planning on wearing shoes that may make driving difficult, keep a spare pair of well-fitting flats or pumps in the car so you can change before you take to the road.”

Categories:

  • Business Insurance

    Our Business Insurance Products contain a series of packages providing essential cover aimed at small to medium sized business...

    INSTANT QUOTE » MORE »

  • Personal Insurance

    Personal insurance covers a number of services. Whether it be cover for your household, buildings and contents, car or personal assets

    MORE »

  • Health & Safety

    Health and Safety and insurance are inseparable. All insurance policies contain a condition that organisation must comply with ALL legal...

    MORE »