Jason Stephens | December 6, 2024 | Texas Law
Many drivers wonder if it’s illegal to drive barefoot. Surprisingly, the answer is no; driving barefoot is not against the law in Texas or any other state. However, just because it’s legal doesn’t mean it’s a good idea.
Driving without proper footwear can increase your chances of being involved in an accident. Jason Stephens, the founder of Stephens Law Firm, PLLC, and experienced car accident lawyer, looks at this question, including why you might want to keep your shoes on in the car even if the law says you can drive barefoot.
What Texas Law Says About Driving Barefoot
There are no state or federal laws in the U.S. prohibiting barefoot driving, and Texas is no exception. Surprisingly, you can even legally operate a motorcycle barefoot in Texas, although it isn’t recommended.
The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) Motorcycle Operator Manual recommends that motorcyclists always wear protective footwear. Specifically, the manual suggests quality, protective clothing for motorcycle safety, including “low-heeled footwear” covering the ankles with no dangling laces.
Why Driving Barefoot Is Dangerous
Driving barefoot may be legal, but it can be risky for many reasons:
- Bare feet have less traction on the pedals. Bare feet are more likely to slip off the brakes or acceleration than shoes with a non-skid sole. This can make it hard to brake and accelerate smoothly or cause you to lose control of the vehicle.
- Applying pressure to the pedals while barefoot can be uncomfortable and distracting.
- Driving barefoot does not allow you to distribute force evenly. It can be hard to apply enough pressure to brake adequately in a crash, especially with an anti-lock braking system (ABS).
- Your reaction time may be slower due to the unfamiliar feeling of applying pressure to the pedals. You may have trouble gauging how much pressure you’re applying, potentially braking softer or harder than you intend.
- Your feet are more susceptible to abrasions, fractures, and other injuries if you are involved in a crash.
As you can see, the dangers of driving barefoot are not worth it.
Flip-Flops, Sandals, and Heels: A Hazardous Alternative
Flip-flops, sandals, and other loose-fitting shoes are popular in Texas’s warm climate, but they can be just as risky as driving barefoot.
Sandals and flip-flops can fall off while driving or bend up under the pedals. They are less likely to offer good traction compared to sneakers and closed-toe flat shoes. The thin soles provide very little support, which can also make it harder to stay in control of the vehicle.
Heels and pumps can also be dangerous by interfering with your ability to gauge the pressure you are applying to the pedals. They may slip off the pedal suddenly, potentially distracting you, twisting your ankle, or causing you to lose control of the car.
These types of footwear may even be more dangerous than driving barefoot.
Wearing Improper Footwear Can Be Considered Negligent
The NHTSA reports that nearly 16,000 pedal error-related accidents happen every year. These crashes are most likely to involve teen drivers and older drivers.
The most common pedal errors are:
- Stepping on the accelerator instead of the brake
- Mistakenly stepping on both pedals at once
- Having a foot slip from the brake to the accelerator
Among other things, the NHTSA suggests wearing appropriate flat-soled or lightweight shoes while driving to reduce pedal errors.
If driving barefoot contributes to a car crash, you can still face legal consequences, even though it’s legal. For example, you may be considered negligent if driving barefoot caused you to lose control of your vehicle or prevented you from braking effectively to avoid a crash. This may leave you liable for damages.
Wear Proper Footwear To Avoid Accidents
Legal doesn’t mean safe. Wearing proper shoes while driving can help you stay in control of your vehicle, accelerate and brake smoothly, and reduce the risk of an accident.
Driving barefoot should always be a last resort as a safer alternative to flip-flops, high heels, or wedges. Whenever possible, wear properly fitted, closed-toe, flat shoes with good tread to make sure you have the traction and control you need.
Contact Our Personal Injury Law Firm in Fort Worth, TX
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Fort Worth and need legal help, contact our Fort Worth and Weatherford personal injury lawyers at Stephens Law Personal Injury | Wrongful Death | Truck Accidents to schedule a free consultation.
Stephens Law Personal Injury | Wrongful Death | Truck Accidents
1300 S University Dr # 406
Fort Worth, TX 76107
(817) 420-7000
Stephens Law Personal Injury | Wrongful Death | Truck Accidents – Weatherford Office
109 York Ave Suite #201
Weatherford, TX 76086
(817) 409-7000