Brits should be careful when driving over the mini heatwave, which could see temperatures shoot to 30C, as a shoe mistake could have devastating consequences, according to a woman
Temperatures are finally heating up in the UK over the next few days – but it’s important to remember a driving mistake could lead to devastating consequences.
Southern and eastern parts of the UK are on the brink of a mini heatwave, with yellow health alerts issued. The Met Office has issued a weather map showing temperatures will exceed 30C in some areas of the UK on Friday, and temperatures are unlikely to dip below 20C overnight.
With the warm weather not lasting long, Brits are likely to take full advantage – especially over the weekend. But they are now being warned that they should take extra care if they are driving somewhere – especially if they are wearing flip flops.
Flip flops are a great hot weather choice, especially at a beach or poolside. But you should never be tempted to drive in them, as a woman has reminded drivers ahead of the hot weather.
Taking to TikTok, author Stacey Green warned followers: “Don’t drive in your flip flops. This is your seasonal reminder if you live in a place where it’s flip flop season.” According to the registered holistic nutritionist, she once watched a “terrible” video of a dad who was trying to spread awareness because of his daughter, who died in a road accident.
According to Stacey, the unnamed woman had braked, and the flip flop had folded under the pedal, meaning she wasn’t able to brake fully – and ended up dying. “It was a terrible story, and I never forgot it,” she added.
In the UK, it isn’t illegal to drive in flip flops, providing you are able to operate the controls safely. However, according to breakdown experts at RAC, if your footwear causes you to be in an accident, you could be fined up to £5,000.
Rule 97 of the Highway Code states the clothing and footwear you choose to wear should not prevent you from using the controls properly. The Driving Standards Agency, which regulates UK driving tests, states “suitable shoes are particularly important behind the wheel. We would not recommend driving barefoot because you don’t have the same braking force with bare feet as you do with shoes on.”
There are specific guidelines drivers should follow when selecting shoes. They should have a sole no thicker than 10mm, and the sole should not be too thin or soft, and provide enough grip to stop your foot slipping off the pedals. They should not be too heavy, limit ankle movement and should be narrow enough to avoid accidentally pressing two pedals at once.
