Driving shoe'less

Jokester · 13 Jun 2007 at 14:50

Lowe said:
Isn't it illegal to drive without shoes? I could have sworn I read that it is.

I've heard the same thing, there's nothing in the Highway Code that I can see though.

Jokester

Vibez · 13 Jun 2007 at 14:51

firewallblocked said:
How many rally or F1 drivers do you see drive bearfoot? I think it's just overrated, I have no problem driving in any shoes. I prefer my cat boots as I have worn them for years! It's a bit like using a handbrake to go round a corner, it looks flashy but doesn't normally get you round any faster. If you want to be a good driver you have to be able to left foot brake, if not you will never be outstanding. If you like it bear foot buy some proper racing shoes, very good for pedal feel.

What does left foot braking have to do with being a good driver LMAO?

Under normal driving circumstances left foot braking has no purpose whatsoever and even on the track left foot braking has little use and is used very rarely

Zip · 13 Jun 2007 at 14:51

Jokester said:
I've heard the same thing, there's nothing in the Highway Code that I can see though.

Jokester

You have the highway code on you? :confused:

I downloaded ours and it had well over 200 pages from what i can remember

Jokester · 13 Jun 2007 at 14:52

Zip said:
You have the highway code on you?

http://www.highwaycode.gov.uk/

Jokester

neil-ste · 13 Jun 2007 at 14:53

I do quite often, like if I have to nip out to pick someone up. If i'm on a long motorway journey I sometimes slip my shoes off too, I find it more comfortable.

Jokester · 13 Jun 2007 at 14:54

Actually there is reference to it:-

73: Before setting off. You should ensure that:

* you have planned your route and allowed sufficient time
* clothing and footwear do not prevent you using the controls in the correct manner
* you know where all the controls are and how to use them before you need them. All vehicles are different; do not wait until it is too late to find out
* your mirrors and seat are adjusted correctly to ensure comfort, full control and maximum vision
* head restraints are properly adjusted to reduce the risk of neck injuries in the event of an accident
* you have sufficient fuel before commencing your journey, especially if it includes motorway driving. It can be dangerous to lose power when driving in traffic.

Bit ambiguous to be honest.

Jokester

Le_Petit_Lapin · 13 Jun 2007 at 14:54

: /

Is there anyone that we could send an e-mail to, to ask if its legal or not?

I don't want to get a fine for driving shoeless.

Jokester · 13 Jun 2007 at 14:56

Le_Petit_Lapin said:
: /

But does going bare foot impede your ability to control the car? Also the word should means that it's not a legal requirement.

Jokester

Zip · 13 Jun 2007 at 14:58

Jokester said:
But does going bare foot impede your ability to control the car? Also the word should means that it's not a legal requirement.

Jokester

Dont you're police have that law where they can use it for almost anything they want if you are driving?

I read someting about it in Will Gills ASBO thread

firewallblocked · 13 Jun 2007 at 15:02

Vibez said:
What does left foot braking have to do with being a good driver LMA nder normal driving circumstances left foot braking has no purpose whatsoever and even on the track left foot braking has little use and is used very rarely

I wasn't talking about normal driving.

I haven't done much left foot breaking as I normally only drive on the road.

I was really refering to the rallying side of my post where pedal feel is constant as you are always using using brake and accelerator so left foot braking is very useful. I could probably get used to a touring car (although at slower speeds

) But rallying where you are always correcting the car to avoid crashing amazes me. First big sideways slide at 130 mph and I could see myself offroad. :eek:

Zip · 13 Jun 2007 at 15:07

firewallblocked said:
I wasn't talking about normal driving. I haven't done much left foot breaking as I normally only drive on the road. I was really refering to the rallying side of my post where pedal feel is constant as you are always using using brake and accelerator so left foot braking is very useful. I could probably get used to a touring car (although at slower speeds ) But rallying where you are always correcting the car to avoid crashing amazes me. First big sideways slide at 130 mph and I could see myself offroad.

Ummmm, Dont they hill toe?

I dont think ive seen many Left foot drive before :confused:

Vibez · 13 Jun 2007 at 15:14

firewallblocked said:
I wasn't talking about normal driving. I haven't done much left foot breaking as I normally only drive on the road. I was really refering to the rallying side of my post where pedal feel is constant as you are always using using brake and accelerator so left foot braking is very useful. I could probably get used to a touring car (although at slower speeds ) But rallying where you are always correcting the car to avoid crashing amazes me. First big sideways slide at 130 mph and I could see myself offroad.

Ahh my bad

Yeah I suppose left foot braking may have its place in rallying and formula 1 as neither have a clutch pedal due to sequential gearbox and they might be able to save the 0.05 seconds of moving their foot from accelerator to brake pedal which is crucial in such motorsports

DannyDan · 13 Jun 2007 at 15:27

I did a 50 mile trip shoeless on the way back from the beach on Sunday. It felt strange for about 10 minutes but then it was fine.

aftershxck · 13 Jun 2007 at 15:51

Don't think I'd do it, too self conscious

Also I doubt the experience can get any better in a Corsa

However if it was a beautiful women then... mmmmmmmmmmmmm

Jokester · 13 Jun 2007 at 15:51

Zip said:
Dont you're police have that law where they can use it for almost anything they want if you are driving?

I read someting about it in Will Gills ASBO thread

The police can use The Highway Code as a basis of a prosecution, but because the opening line says you should be doing these things means that the items in the list aren't enforceable otherwise you could be done for not planning you're route before hand for example.

Jokester

pitchfork · 13 Jun 2007 at 16:37

I don't because my foot slipped before and put a nice cut down the side.

JiBeRjAbEr · 13 Jun 2007 at 21:31

Lowe said:
Isn't it illegal to drive without shoes? I could have sworn I read that it is.

Yes

(there was a guy done for it on tonights traffic cops (Hampshire Police).)

SoliD · 13 Jun 2007 at 21:48

done it a few times reversing and moving car about, but didnt like it, just felt uncomfortable, i got some martial art indoor type adidas trainers that are really thin, if i can will drive in them, but they are proper scummy and I wouldnt want to be seen in public in them.

gareth.e · 13 Jun 2007 at 21:52

JiBeRjAbEr said:
Yes

(there was a guy done for it on tonights traffic cops (Hampshire Police).)

tbh I think I'd argue it in court...

However if it wasn't in dry conditions, I can see why it could be dangerous as it's very easy to slip off pedals in the wet..

Imo in the dry, driving bare foot is arguably safer due to having more feel for the throttle/brakes/clutch... only time it becomes a problem is in a crash
(or if the inside of your car is very dirty/wet)

therealnerd2 · 13 Jun 2007 at 22:03

I was always told barefoot driving was very dangerous because it's really hard to STOMP down on the brake in an emergency.......