Certain clothing items can restrict movement or cause distractions, posing a risk while driving. Choosing appropriate attire is key to maintaining safety on the road. Knowing what to wear that does not hinder movement or cause distractions can help in ensuring complete control behind the wheels.
Flip-Flops and Sandals
Loose footwear poses significant risks while driving. Flip-flops and sandals can easily slip off, potentially getting wedged under pedals. This impedes proper brake and accelerator control. Flip-flops lengthen breaking times by 0.13 seconds. This is equivalent to an extra 3.5 meters at 60 mph. The risk of foot slippage increases, especially during an emergency. That is why secure, well-fitted shoes are essential for safe driving.
Sunglasses with Dark Lenses
Visibility is decreased by very dark lenses, particularly in low light. They can impair color perception, making it difficult to distinguish traffic signals. Excessively tinted sunglasses may delay reaction times to sudden changes in lighting. It is recommended to wear glasses that allow the transmission of 18% to 43% of light. Choosing lenses with appropriate tint levels enhances visual clarity and safety.
Long Skirts or Dresses
Lengthy garments can entangle with pedals or restrict leg movement. This interference compromises the driver’s ability to react swiftly. Long skirts may bunch up and hinder access to pedals. Opting for knee-length or shorter attire ensures unrestricted leg movement and safer driving. Long skirts can also get caught in car doors, creating a hazard when entering or exiting the vehicle. The risk of tripping while getting in or out of the car increases with floor-length garments.
High Heels
High heels compromise pedal control and foot positioning. The elevated heel alters foot angle, reducing precision and reaction time. It might be difficult for drivers to push pedals uniformly. More than 30% of women wear heels regularly, and many of them do so even while driving. Switching to flat shoes before driving ensures better pedal control and overall safety. Ankle injuries from abruptly pushing the brakes are another risk factor associated with high heels. The unnatural foot position can lead to fatigue during long drives.
Tight Clothing
Overly tight garments restrict movement, impacting driving comfort and control. Constrictive clothing can limit the range of motion needed for steering and checking blind spots. Tight pants may reduce leg flexibility, thereby affecting pedal operation. Tight clothing can also cause discomfort and distraction during long drives. It can restrict blood flow and lead to numbness or tingling in limbs, impacting the ability to properly drive. Choosing breathable, flexible attire ensures better performance while driving.
Heavy Boots
Thick-soled boots diminish pedal sensitivity, potentially leading to delayed reaction. Shoes are one of the major reasons for more than 15,000 accidents every year. The bulky nature of these shoes can interfere with precise pedal movements. This reduced tactile feedback may result in over-acceleration or inadequate braking. Heavy-booted drivers could find it difficult to provide constant pressure. It can also increase leg fatigue and the extra weight can slow down foot transitions between pedals in emergencies. Instead wear shoes that are flexible and light, resulting in improved pedal control.
Scarves
Loose scarves pose a risk of strangulation if caught in the steering wheel or other controls. Long scarves may obstruct the driver’s view or become entangled in seatbelts. Wind from open windows can cause scarves to flat unpredictably and distract the driver. Additionally, obstructing side mirrors may cause blind spots. In convertibles, loose scarves may fly off, potentially distracting other drivers on the road. Due to this, removing or securing scarves before driving eliminates these risks.
Baggy Pants
Excessively loose pants risk entanglement with pedals. They create hazardous driving conditions. Baggy clothing can bunch up and interfere with proper seating position and the effectiveness of seatbelts. Loose or baggy clothing can obstruct the driver’s view of the foot well, making it difficult to locate pedals accurately. The excess fabric may cause slipping on leather on vinyl seats. It can affect overall stability while driving. Opting for well-fitted pants enhances safety and control.
Gloves (Non-Driving)
Gloves without grips impair vehicle handling by decreasing traction on the steering wheel. Thick or slippery gloves can impair the driver’s ability to operate controls effectively. For safe driving, proper hand positioning and grip are essential. Non-driving gloves may also interfere with touchscreen options in modern vehicles. It can also make it difficult to access buttons on switches on the dashboard or steering wheel. Using specialized driving gloves or going bare-handed ensures optimal steering control.
Hats with Large Brims
Wide-brimmed hats obstruct peripheral vision, crucial for safe driving. They can block side mirrors and limit awareness of surrounding traffic. Large hats can hinder the headrest positioning and reduce protection in case of accidents. It can also create glare on the windshield, especially during sunny conditions. Selecting hats of smaller sizes or not wearing them at all while driving increases safety as well as visibility.
Headphones or Earbuds
Wearing headphones while driving impairs the hearing of crucial external sounds. This includes emergency vehicle sirens, honking horns, or mechanical issues with the vehicle. The chance of a vehicle accident rises by 3% when you wear headphones. Headphones can cause spatial disorientation and affect the driver’s sense of direction and speed. It may result in diminished attention and slow reaction. Instead, you can be aware of your situation by using your car’s audio system.
Bulky Coats or Jackets
Oversized outerwear restricts arm movement and hampers steering control. Bulky coats can interfere with seat belt effectiveness, reducing safety in case of accidents. They can also cause overheating, lead to the discomfort of drivers, and reduce their concentration. In the case of an accident, the bulky material of the coat or jacket can obstruct the deployment of the airbags. Removing or adjusting heavy coats before driving enhances mobility and safety.