Summer footwear craze

05 August 2005

Despite being a universal fashion essential over the hot summer months, flip-flops are one of the most hazardous items of footwear for driving, according to research from Norwich Union Motor Insurance.

A recent survey* of 1,000 motorists, found that nearly three quarters of the British public admit they find it difficult to drive when wearing flip-flops, with almost a quarter of drivers admitting to driving in such footwear regularly.

Craig Martin, motor marketing manager at Norwich ....cont/

Union, commented: "Being in control of your car when driving is essential, especially in an emergency. However, many of us are ignoring safety advice when it comes to the shoes we wear when driving. Footwear such as flip-flops are dangerous as the sole can get caught under a pedal during a simple gear change, when applying the brake or even when moving the foot from clutch to brake or vice versa. The absence of ankle support can lead to the foot slipping off the pedal altogether".

Wearing shoes suitable for ....cont/

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driving is an important part of the safety equation. The Driving Standards Agency offers the following advice: "Wear sensible clothing for driving, especially on a long journey. Suitable shoes are particularly important. We also would not recommend driving bare foot because you don’t have the same braking force with bare feet as you do wearing shoes."

With the temperature set to rise over the coming month, at home and abroad flip-flops will continue to be the popular fashion footwear of choice. However,...cont/

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Norwich Union is urging drivers to spare a thought for safety when falling victim to fashion and has put together some top tips:

Always wear suitable clothing, particularly shoes.

Keep a suitable spare pair of shoes in your car especially for driving.

Do not drive barefoot.

Avoid wearing high heels or ‘wedge’ heeled shoes as these can be difficult to drive in.

Norwich Union Motor Insurance