If we talk about driving, we have all come across perpetuating misconceptions and myths gathered over the decades from friends, family, relatives, social circles and beliefs in the public sphere. Such myths don’t limit only to car safety, trivial matters and maintenance. People often heard that driving barefoot is illegal and you would be surprised to know the fact that it is an outright myth.
If you have ever been told that if you drive a vehicle without shoes on it is illegal and you might have to face penalties for that let us correct it “it is an absolute myth”. From sea to shining sea it never has been illegal to drive barefoot. In any state across the United States, you are perfectly allowed to drive without your shoes on. However, it doesn’t mean that the practise should be encouraged. Rather, it is just about recognizing the most common myth that has to be debunked.
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What States is it Illegal to Drive Barefoot?
Many people in the US and around the globe believe that if they drive without shoes on they are committing an offense. They are in fact, under the delusion that it is illegal when in truth, there are no states or federal laws in any region that restrict you from driving barefoot.
Do you also want to know if you can drive without shoes or not across the US?
Here is the list of states where driving barefoot is completely fine so you shouldn’t feel bad about yourself when on the road.
- Alaska
- Florida
- Hawaii
- Arizona
- Georgia
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- Colorado
- Delaware
- California
- Connecticut
- Idaho
- Lowa
- Indiana
- Kansas
- Louisiana
- Kentucky
- Maine
- Michigan
- Missouri
- Nevada
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- Ohlo
- Oregon
- South Carolina
- Texas
- Utah
- Virginia
- Washington
Why is it Illegal to Drive Barefoot?
Still curious about whether is it legal to drive without shoes or not? As we stated above, driving without “shoes on” is not illegal in any state, however, this doesn’t mean that it is a safe practice. It would be not wrong if we say that it is an unsafe practice that you should avoid to prevent the risks of accidents. Driving without shoes can put you at serious hazard as you might feel distracted and end up in an accident ultimately. Hence, wearing shoes that support driving is a lot better than going barefoot.
Are Some Shoes More Dangerous than Driving Barefoot?
While driving it is wise to have shoes on, however not all shoes are driving-friendly and made equal when it comes to safe driving. Certain types of shoes might put you in danger eventually. In addition, according to the reports by Police Departments and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), thousands of accidents occur every day due to pedal errors.
It depicts that drivers couldn’t step on the brake successfully because of not wearing shoes or wearing inappropriate shoes that don’t support driving which in the majority of cases is considered a traffic violation. It shows that it matters a lot as to what type of shoes you should wear when driving as some shoes support safe driving whereas others may invite an accident.
Below mentioned are types of footwear that you should avoid wearing when driving with your friends and loved ones.
Flip-flops
Flip-flops are the common wear that can get caught under the accelerator or brake pedal easily rendering them inoperable.
High Heels
Most of the high heels or sandals are not designed in accordance with the driving measures. Such shoes interfere with the natural movement of the legs which is crucial in handling pedals.
Dress Shoes
Sturdy leather or common dress shoes are considered great for durability and longevity. However, they often happen to be slippery on the car’s pedal which may cause you a problem ultimately.
Open-Heel Shoes
Open heel shoes are comfortable to wear. However, your foot could slip out of the shoe, making it difficult for you to control the car’s pedal.
Hence, the aforementioned shoes including others like open-toed shoes are evident to be dangerous when driving. Therefore, it would be wise to avoid wearing such shoes when on a road.
Major Reasons Why People Drive Without Shoes
Keeping aside the argument of whether driving barefoot is legal or illegal, many people prefer to drive without shoes for some good reasons mentioned underneath.
Better Feel for the Road
Most people are attached to the idea that they can “feel” the road better when they are driving without shoes.
Stronger Grip
Alike, many drivers argue that driving a car with shoes off makes it easier for them to grip the pedal with their toes.
Comfort
Proponents of driving barefoot state that it is more comfortable than with shoes on.
Don’t Slip Around
Many others claim that driving with shoes off reduces the risk of slipping when need to handle the pedal.
Why Do People Believe It’s Illegal to Drive without Shoes?
It’s impossible to locate what or who developed the myth about shoe-less driving. However, since it is one of the most common driving myths people usually believe it to be “real”. Nevertheless, in truth, no evidence can depict this as a law or a sort of regulation however the driver still needs to remain careful when opting to drive barefoot as it may lead to any danger ultimately.
Is Driving Barefoot Dangerous?
Are you concerned about if “driving shoeless is dangerous or not”? Let us get the facts straight, although it is completely fine that you can drive without shoes and it is not against the law. However, it is something that doesn’t seem appropriate to do in public. Why? Because if you don’t wear shoes and your foot slips when you intend to handle the pedal, it won’t only harm you but you will put others’ lives in danger as well.
Summing It Up
Conversely, it is important to understand that the absence of shoes when driving could make you accountable in case of reckless driving for which you may have to face penalties as well. Therefore, it is wise to wear shoes that are comfortable and driving-friendly to reduce any injury-related risks or accidents.
