Is it Legal to Drive Barefoot in Oregon?

There are no laws that expressly prohibit driving barefoot in Oregon. In fact, there are no such laws in any state of the United States. However, some states and local jurisdictions have regulations that strongly discourage barefoot driving. 

In Oregon, barefoot driving is legal if you can do so safely. On the other hand, if being barefoot causes you to drive unsafely, you can be ticketed. 

You can legally drive barefoot in any state in the United States. However, wearing proper footwear when driving is generally considered safer. Yet, there are times when it may be safer to drive barefoot.

Getting Comfortable When Driving

Many people take their shoes off while driving. Maybe your shoes feel tight, and your feet are tired after a long day. It is completely understandable that you may want to kick off your shoes on your long drive home.

However, most experts recommend that you drive with your shoes on. When you take off your shoes, they can get caught under the brake pedal and prevent you from safely coming to a stop. For some drivers, taking off their shoes can be a distraction that causes unsafe driving. 

Why it is Not Always Safe to Drive Barefoot

Even though it is legal to drive barefoot in Oregon, it may not be the safest option. Drivers who do not wear shoes generally have less control over their vehicles. 

Some problems with barefoot driving include:

• The odd feel of bare feet against the gas and brake pedals can be a distraction. 
• You will have less traction to press the brake and gas pedals.
• Your braking power may be reduced without shoes.
• In the event of an accident, your feet are at a much greater risk of injury.

If you want to drive barefoot, be sure you are able to control your vehicle and drive safely. But remember that shoes protect your feet during an accident. 

Why it May Be Safer to Drive Barefoot

Generally, it is safer to drive while wearing shoes. However, there are occasions when taking off our shoes could be the safer option. 

It may be safer to drive barefoot when:

• You are wearing high heels, making operating the gas and brake pedals more difficult.
• You are wearing flip-flop style sandals that can get caught on the floor of the vehicle and prevent you from safely operating the gas and brake pedals.
• The shoes you are wearing are painful to your feet, causing a distraction to safe driving. 

Driving barefoot may be a better and safer option if your shoes are a distraction.  

Your Insurance Company May Deny Coverage 

You could be ticketed for distracted driving or reckless driving for operating a vehicle while barefoot. Your insurance company may deny your claim if you have been in an accident and are issued a citation. Your insurance company could even cancel your coverage.

Additionally, you could lose a personal injury lawsuit if you are involved in an accident while driving barefoot. 

What Happens if I Have an Accident While Driving Barefoot?

If you have a collision while driving barefoot in Oregon, it is important that you know what to do and how to report the accident. Unfortunately, the other driver may attempt to sue you for unsafe driving. It is possible that a court could find you negligent or even reckless for driving barefoot. 

Even though driving barefoot is not illegal, it can be used when considering whether you are driving as a reasonably safe driver. If you were involved in a Portland car accident, you should consult an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible. 

What Are the Best Shoes for Driving?

The best shoes for driving are the ones that help you drive safely. That being said, most experts agree you should wear closed-toe shoes with rubber soles. 

Rubber soles provide better traction and control, while closed toes help protect your feet in an accident. It is also important that your shoes are comfortable and do not slip off while driving.

Flip flops, high heels, wedge heels, open-toe shoes, and shoes with long laces are not recommended and are generally considered unsafe for driving. For example, flip-flops can get caught in the brake pedals, and wedge heels can prevent a driver from being able to feel the brake and gas pedals adequately. 

The best shoes for driving are the ones that are comfortable on your feet, adequately protect your feet during an accident, and provide proper traction and control of the pedals. 

Contact an Experienced Oregon Car Accident Attorney If You Were Injured in a Crash

It is legal to drive barefoot in Oregon. But, it is not the best practice. The safest practice is to wear comfortable shoes that protect your feet and provide good traction and control. 

If you have been injured in a crash, you should consult an experienced Portland car accident attorney to discuss your case. 

Contact Our Car Accident Attorneys in Portland, OR – Tillmann Law Personal Injury Lawyers

If you were injured in an accident in Portland, OR, please contact our Portland car accident lawyers at Tillmann Law Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation today.

Tillmann Law Personal Injury Lawyers
101 SW Main St. #1905
Portland, OR, 97204
(503) 272-8986