Is Driving Barefoot Illegal In Florida?
Most individuals believe that driving barefoot is illegal in the U.S., but as it turns out, it is not. No law directly states driving barefoot is unlawful. One reason for states not opting to outlaw the practice of barefoot driving may be due to the fact that it may actually be safer to drive barefoot than to drive while wearing certain types of footwear, such as high heels.
The only state in America with a statute to refer to regarding whether or not a person can drive barefoot is Alabama. But even the Alabama law relates to motorcycles only. No person is allowed to operate or ride a motorcycle in Alabama unless the person is wearing shoes. This means that even in Alabama, people are not prohibited from driving their vehicles without shoes.
While there are no statutes explicitly prohibiting you from driving barefoot, it is recommended that you drive or operate your vehicle with shoes or footwear. Even though you may not get a traffic ticket or be fined for driving barefoot, if you choose to drive barefoot, you may end up facing even more serious consequences.
What Are the Dangers of Driving Barefoot?
While driving barefoot is not illegal in America, many believe that the practice is dangerous. It is believed that driving barefoot can cause car accidents. Some people argue that operating or driving a motor vehicle barefoot decreases the pressure a motorist can apply to the brakes. Also, it is argued that bare feet are prone to slipping off the gas or brake pedals. When your bare foot slips off a pedal, you may end up causing an accident and most likely a rear-end accident. So, even though a driver may not get a traffic ticket or get fined for driving barefoot, if they choose to drive barefoot and end up causing an accident after their barefoot slips off the brake pedal, they can be deemed careless or reckless.
Not only is driving barefoot considered dangerous because it increases the risk of a car accident, it is also considered dangerous because feet are vulnerable. Suppose you get into a car accident when you don’t have any footwear or shoes on. In such a case, your feet will not be protected from elements such as broken glasses and metal chippings when you exit the vehicle.
In light of the above, although it may not be illegal to drive barefoot, driving barefoot does not seem like a good practice. Keep your shoes on and drive safely.
Contact Us for Legal Help
From a civil perspective, it is possible for a driver to be held liable for negligence for not wearing shoes or footwear when driving. All motorists have a duty to drive safely and make decisions that reduce the possibility of car accidents. So, if you were injured in a Florida motor vehicle accident and you believe the other driver’s decision to drive barefoot contributed to your accident, don’t hesitate to reach out to an experienced attorney. Our Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorneys at The Pendas Law Firm can assess your case and guide you through your legal options. If you have a valid claim, we can help you obtain the compensation you deserve from the at-fault party. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the West Palm Beach, Tampa, Jacksonville, Ocala, Orlando, Daytona Beach, Fort Myers, Miami, and Bradenton areas.
Resource:
flhsmv.gov/traffic-crash-reports/crash-dashboard/
