Although wearing high heels are questionable for a woman’s health, many women prefer to make a fashion statement by wearing it.
When it comes to driving, wearing high heels can be dangerous. Whether you are wearing stilettos, platforms or wedges, high heels are regarded as one the worst choices for driving.
“South Africa doesn’t have any laws regarding footwear – or the lack of footwear – for driving,” points out Barend Smit, marketing director of MotorHappy.
“In some European countries there are rules pertaining to footwear. In Spain it’s illegal to drive with flip flops or high heels; in Germany it’s illegal to drive with flip flops.
“When choosing footwear for driving, consider whether or not your choice of shoe allows you to have full control of your vehicle. If a child was to run out into the road, would you be able to stop suddenly?”
If you are wearing a long, thin heel, you are effectively balancing on the heel of the shoe, and the heel of your foot is elevated. This is a very small, unstable point of contact with the floor of the vehicle, and can easily slip out of place if you apply the brakes sharply. Your heel could also get caught in the floor mat or even slip under the pedals.
Many high heels have pointy, narrow toes with a slippery sole, making it even more difficult to apply pressure on the pedal.
Platforms and wedges are problematic, because the thicker sole means your foot is further away from the peddle, and you risk pressing two pedals at the same time, or not applying the right amount of pressure.
Shoes with thin soles and good grip are best for driving because they won’t slip off the pedals and you have a better connection between your foot and the vehicle.
“Don’t be tempted to drive barefoot because that’s just as dangerous as driving with heels on,” advises Smit.
“Put road safety before fashion, and give yourself the best chance by being properly prepared for anything that might happen on the roads.”
accidents.co.za / My Pressportal
