Does Australian Law Allow Driving With Barefoot?

Does Australian Law Allow Driving With Barefoot?

So! Do you drive with or without shoes?

Well! It’s a red hot topic and perhaps, an important one to consider intensely. Many individuals run out hastily sans shoes to meet the emergency. It’s not illegal.

Have you ever thought about it so seriously before?

May, or, May not!

What does the law state?

Explicitly, there exists no law that prohibits driving without footwear in Australia. But, it can be a matter of serious concern, if you get into a road accident in particular. Have a cursory look over what the Australian Road Rules 2008, Rule 297 below:

“Taking the safest measures while driving is mandatory. It illustrates that the driver must take all preventive measures to drive smoothly. His driving should be the safest in all possible manners. If, anyhow, the accident occurs, an inquiry will take place to determine whether or the driver’s shoes played a pivotal role in the cause of that accident. ”

What if it does play a key role in causing that accident?    

Those who found guilty can be liable to pay a substantial fine as a penalty. Also, there would be the possibility of further punishment along with that fine. It squarely depends on how severe that accidental damage is.

What ought to do to avoid litigation and uncertain fine?

Prevention is better than cure-it’s a common and immensely popular phrase. Keep it into your account. You ought to select the footwear or shoe that lets you feel comfortable in. If it’s comfortable, but causes inconvenience in driving, put it off. Substantially, it might be perilous if you drive without shoes on.

However, you might feel as you’re in your comfort zone when it is off. But, the website Wheel24 explicitly shares some facts that you can’t reject. They go as:

• If you’re driving an old car, its clutch might require more pressure to put on. With barefoot, it’s not easy.
• The cars with smaller pedals compel the driver to exert more pressure on the ball of the foot. But, the shape of your sole distributes its pressure evenly.  Hence, the requisite pressure don’t put on.
• It’s hazardous for health also. You have to repeatedly exert pressure on the clutch. It might cause severe or meager pain. You may feel cramps or spasms in the foot. Thereby, you fail to press the clutch with appropriate pressure. Eventually, the chances of accidents scroll up.
• Wet sole avoids friction. So, if you drive with wet feet, they will slip. This is how pedaling won’t be possible. Eventually, that driving might end up at an accident. 
• If you drive while nylon socks or tights on, your feet will slip as it would reduce friction between your foot and the pedal. You may lose grip. 
•  The appropriate driving shoes save you from critical foot injuries during an unfortunate crash.

If you indeed want to get off such kind of road accident, you should check your shoes before driving. Put the pair on first to check if it’s comfortable. It’s better if you keep a pair of slip-on to put on and off anytime.