Wet weather can create dangerous conditions, and one particular mistake could land drivers with a £5,000 fine as it can hinder your ability to operate your car’s controls
Stilettos are an obvious type of shoe to avoid while driving, but there’s another common footwear faux pas that could result in a £5,000 fine, and drivers are being warned due to the rain.
With heavy rain forecast across the UK this week and flood warnings in areas across England, Scotland and Wales, footwear retailer ShoeZone has warned drivers about footwear issues that could not only cause safety issues but have legal ramifications.
According to Section 97 of the Highway Code, drivers must ensure their footwear doesn’t hinder their ability to operate vehicle controls safely and effectively. Having wet shoes could therefore lead to dangerous driving charges as they increase the likelihood of a driver’s foot slipping off the pedals.
Wet shoes can be dangerous, especially during the rainy season when people are probably choosing to wear practical shoes like wellies or boots which can also hinder your ability to operate vehicle controls. If an accident occurred and you were stopped by the police drivers found to be wearing wet or inappropriate shoes, you risk getting an on-the-spot fine of £100 for “driving without due care and attention.” You would also get three penalty points on their licence.
If the matter escalated to court, penalties can skyrocket to fines up to £5,000 and a whopping nine points. Or even losing your driving licence altogether. You could also invalidate your insurance claim if you have soggy soles. This means that in case you have an accident, drivers could drivers could find themselves financially responsible for damages usually covered by insurance.
A spokesperson at footwear retailer ShoeZone said: “With the wet weather this week, drivers need to be especially careful and not just because of the roads. We recommend drivers always have a spare pair of driving-appropriate shoes in their car, so the weather never catches them unaware. This means a pair of dry shoes are always available to drive in when it’s wet outside.
“Drivers should ensure their spare pair of shoes have soles no thicker than 10mm and have enough grip to not slip off the pedals. The shoes should also not be too heavy or limit ankle movement and should be narrow enough to avoid accidentally pressing two pedals at once. This also means motorists shouldn’t risk driving in most boots or wellies.”
