The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) reminds residents it’s important to continue to wear safe footwear while driving, as flip-flop season is right around the corner.
Open heeled shoes such as flip-flops or sandals can be dangerous while driving because they can slip off and wedge under accelerator or brake pedals.
Women should reconsider wearing shoes with high heels while driving because they too can get caught in or under floor mats and can stop you from accelerating or breaking when needed.
The Virginia DMV recommends you never drive in bare feet, socks, or stockings because they can cause your feet to slip off the gas or brake pedals.
Although wearing a particular type of shoe or not wearing any at all while driving is not illegal, vehicle control can be compromised and is not recommended.
“Our employees see it all the time,” says DMV Commissioner Richard D. Holcomb. “Our customer service representatives who conduct road tests have seen flip-flops and sandals come off and get stuck under the gas or brake pedal. Fortunately, we have not had any tragic situations, but that is what we are trying to prevent.”
Operating a vehicle while wearing flip-flops or sandals in wet weather is especially dangerous because the slippery soles make it easier for your foot to slip off the pedals.
Officials say leaving an extra pair of sneakers in your car to wear while driving could prevent a potentially tragic situation.
