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Driving Barefoot: Who Started The Illegal Myth?
by DK 11/8/2008
Throughout the years of the
internet's existence, people have wondered if it was against the law to
drive barefoot. They have heard from other
people (who heard it from other people) that it was. Every flip-flop driver
has wondered if it was against the law to kick off the just-barely sandals,
and drive
unobstructed by flimsy footwear. Yahoo Answers shows hundreds of question
askers, many responders even stating the old wives' tale.
Even policemen have wondered this. Some even calling to a superior to
question this.
The truth is, there are no laws in the USA or Canada to drive without
shoes.
Not only is this practice legal, it is recommended.
Barefoot driving is oodles safer than driving with the aforementioned flip
flops, high heels, backless shoes, sandals, and any other shoes with
slippery bottoms. If your shoe comes off while you are driving, it could
impede the brake pedal, causing an accident. Driving
barefoot can assist in feeling the pedals, which could regulate speed, as
well as timing for using the brake.
So, where did this myth come from?
We are not sure exactly. While researching, no laws have been on the book
for driving a car barefoot. The only law to be found was driving a
motorcycle barefoot in Alabama. Our guess is that this came from mothers and
fathers afraid when their children are outside barefoot. Parents have been
known to over-protect kids regarding clothing and weather. A classic example
would be mothers reminding kids to wear a scarf when the temperature is 59
degrees.
There will be naysayers and skeptics who believe the fable of barefoot
driving being illegal. But, here are links that show the overwhelming
proof.
http://tafkac.org/legal/driving.barefoot/driving_barefoot.html
http://stason.org/TULARC/health/barefoot/15-Is-it-legal-to-drive-barefoot.html
http://www.edmunds.com/advice/youngdrivers/articles/125550/article.html
http://www.co.henrico.va.us/police/faq.html
http://www.edmunds.com/advice/youngdrivers/articles/125550/article.html
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