Wearing certain shoes affects ability to drive safely. PHOTO: FILE
According to a poll conducted by Sheilas’ Wheels, a British car insurance brand that majorly targets its insurance products to women, flip flops not only impair motorists’ movement between the brake and accelerator pedals by up to one-tenth of a second, but also reduce the driver’s braking force by three per cent compared to safer shoes.
The poll also found that over half of the motorists drive in unsuitable footwear. Also, one-in-every-five people continue to wear shoes that they have had a near miss or accident in, reports femalefirst.co.uk. Another alarming find was that one in four motorists has gotten their shoe stuck under a pedal whilst driving. This can have disastrous consequences, resulting in accidents and even death.
“It’s worrying that so many drivers out there do not realise the impact their footwear choices can have on their safety at the wheel. Millions may think they can drive safely but may not realise the shortcomings of the flip-flop until it’s too late — putting themselves, their passengers and other drivers at risk every time they get in the car,” said Jacky Brown of Sheilas’ Wheels car insurance.
Top five summer footwear women struggle to drive in:
- Flip flops
- Bare feet
- Wedge Heels
- Espadrilles
- Sandals
Published in The Express Tribune, September 2nd, 2013.
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