Dangers of wearing high heels behind the wheel

Most of the time, wearing high heels raises health concerns, but doing so while driving is dangerous.

High heels are among the worst footwear options for driving, whether they be wedges, platforms, or stilettos.

Marketing director of MotorHappy, Berend Smit, points out that there are no regulations governing the wearing of shoes when driving in South Africa.

According to Berend, there are regulations governing certain types of footwear in various European nations. Driving while wearing flip-flops or high heels is prohibited in Spain and Germany, respectively.

“When choosing footwear for driving, consider whether your choice of shoe allows you to have full control of your vehicle. If a child was to suddenly run out into the road, would you be able to stop suddenly?” Berend asked.

High heels make it more difficult to slam on the brakes in an emergency because of how your feet are positioned. The heel of your foot should lie on the car’s floor for optimal pedal control.

When you’re wearing a long, thin heel, your foot’s heel is elevated and you’re actually balancing on the heel of the shoe. If you use the brakes suddenly, this tiny, shaky point of contact with the car’s bottom might easily slip out of place.

In addition to having tiny, pointed toes and a slippery sole, many high heels make it even harder to press the pedal.

“Platforms and wedges are also problematic because the thicker sole means your foot is further away from the peddle, and you risk pressing two pedals at the same time, or not applying the right amount of pressure,” Berend explained.

The ideal shoes for driving are those with thin soles and strong traction since they won’t slide off the pedals and give you a better connection between your foot and the vehicle.

Avoid the temptation to drive barefoot because doing so is just as risky as driving while wearing heels.

“If you’re a big fan of high heels, rather keep a pair of sensible flats in your car for driving and change into your heels when you reach your destination,” the motor master advised.

Give yourself the greatest chance by prioritising road safety before fashion and being well-prepared for anything that could occur on the roads.