Why Thongs Are NOT Proper Driving Shoes

Thongs are Australia's go-to footwear, especially during sweltering summer days. They're light and airy, letting our feet breathe during long walks. But if you're planning to drive somewhere, Tyroola recommends ditching your rubber double-pluggers in favour of proper driving shoes. Why? This article explains why thongs are dangerous to wear when you're behind the wheel! We also dish out the best driving shoes that keep you and others safe.

 

7 Reasons Why Thongs Pose Driving Risks

Though driving in thongs is not against the law, it's downright risky. Driving requires full attention, and something as simple as footwear can impact your safety. Here are seven reasons that convince you why your thongs should take the backseat when you're driving.

 

1. They can slip right off.

Part of the convenience of wearing thongs is that you can quickly wear and take them off. However, this is also why they should be banned as driving footwear. Imagine your thongs sliding off at the crucial point you must step on the pedal.

 

2. They can get stuck.

Because they can easily be removed, thongs can get caught on your vehicle's foot pedals and even the floor mats! This may prevent you from accelerating or braking in time to avoid accidents.

 

3. They may cause distractions.

If a thong falls off or gets stuck, the natural reaction is to try and adjust and move it back on to your foot. This requires stooping or taking your eyes off the road. But we all know that even a second's worth of road distraction can lead to accidents. According to the Australian Automobile Association, distraction contributes to 16% of fatal road crashes. It's considered as risky as drunk driving and an urgent problem in the country.

 

4. They lack ankle support.

Because thongs don't support the ankle, you can't correctly gauge how much pressure to apply on the pedals—the brakes, clutch, and accelerator.

 

5. Wearing them may put extra strain on your vehicle.

Because thongs inhibit proper driving, you may end up not fully pressing the clutch when making a gear change, which can damage parts of your vehicle—including your tyres.

 

6. You may end up with a traffic offence.

Even if wearing thongs while driving is legal, causing an accident will earn you a traffic offence. People you harm on the road can file personal injury claims, which cost time and money.

 

7. Your feet are at risk.

If you're involved in a car crash, your feet become exposed to shattered glass and other sharp objects.

 

 

Other Footwear to Avoid

Besides thongs, here are the other footgear types you should steer clear off when driving.

 

 • Slippers

Like thongs, they're not secure and can easily fall off.

 • Heels

You can only be in control of the pedals when your heels can settle on the car's floor. With these shoes, your heels float above the floor, and the sole only has a small area that makes contact with the pedal. Heels can also get caught in the floor mat.

 • Thick-soled shoes

Big and bulky shoes like boots, chunky running shoes, and wedges keep you from getting a feel of the pedals. This may cause you to press too hard or too soft, which compromises your safety.

 • Going barefoot

Though driving barefoot may be better than using the wrong footwear, there are better choices. That's because you need to exert more pressure when stepping on the pedal, robbing you of total control over your drive. This may also cause leg or foot cramps. Unlike shoes, the soles of your feet lack grip, making them easily slip off the pedals.

 

What Are Proper Driving Shoes?

Flats, walking shoes, sneakers, loafers and other similar footwear are ideal for driving because of the following:

 • Thin soles

With these, your feet can assess the right amount of pressure. We recommend that your shoe's soles should be 25 millimetres thick at the most.

 • Closed shoes

Your driving shoes should feel secure around your feet. This lets your heel rest on the floor, giving you enough pedal power.

 • Wide toe boxes

Narrow-toed shoes have a small contact patch with the pedal. Though wide-toe boxes guarantee contact, avoid too-wide shoes as these may cause you to step on two pedals simultaneously.

 

A Footnote on Driving Shoes

Always keep a pair of driving-friendly shoes in your car to ensure your safety. Also, store a towel to keep your shoes (especially their soles) dry and grippy. When you wear proper shoes, your feet can relax, responding faster and giving you better ride control.

 

Boost Your Ride Safety

Another way to keep you safe while driving is investing in a fresh set of tyres! According to the US-based National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, around 11,000 accidents happen annually because of faulty tyres. At Tyroola, you can get all sorts of tyres—from budget to value and premium brands at great prices.