Is It Illegal to Drive in Flip Flops?

Read Below If You Want To Know If It’s Illegal To Drive With Flip Flops In Nevada
Flip Flops On Las Vegas Desert
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By
Madeleine Jones
July 2, 2019

We are well into summer here in Las Vegas, and summertime means high temperatures and warm-weather clothing, including flip flops. While flip-flops may be a comfortable alternative to closed-toe shoes, you may wonder if driving in these shoes could lead to a citation while driving.

While many people believe that it is illegal to drive in flip-flops, there are no specific laws in the United States that prohibit you from wearing your summer shoes. However, you could experience other legal issues if you drive in flip-flops in Nevada.

Driving in Flip Flops Is Legal in Nevada

In the United States, no statute exists that specifically prohibits you from wearing flip-flops while you are driving. However, Nevada state law requires that you operate your vehicle safely and responsibly – and, arguably, you need to wear appropriate footwear to comply with this requirement. In fact, the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles specifically stated in its Parent’s Supervised Driving Program Guide that flip flops are dangerous for people to wear while driving.

While driving in flip-flops may not be the safest footwear choice to wear on the road, you have the right to wear them. A Nevada police officer cannot pull you over for wearing flip-flops while driving and you cannot receive a traffic violation based on your footwear. As long as you do not cause any accidents or violate any traffic laws, you can continue to wear your favorite flip-flops.

Risks of Driving in Flip Flops

Driving in flip flops is legal in the state of Nevada, but that does mean that these shoes do not pose serious risks to drivers. According to a 2013 study by the British insurance company Sheilas’ Wheels, British motorists experienced a staggering number of accidents due to flip-flops while driving.

  • Flip flops could be responsible for approximately 1.4 million accidents per year.
  • Flip flops double the amount of time it takes for you to respond to hazards on the road, slowing you down when you move between the gas and brake pedals.
  • Flip flops can increase the time it takes for you to decelerate by 0.13 seconds, a crucial time in the event of an emergency.
  • 27% of respondents stated that their flip-flops caused a mishap while they were driving.

Although Nevada police officers cannot give you a traffic ticket for driving in flip-flops specifically, these shoes can lead you to commit other traffic infractions. In fact, many other types of unsafe footwear can lead to accidents and dangerous driving conditions, especially if they have any of the following characteristics.

  • Slippery soles
  • Thin soles
  • Thick soles
  • Limited ankle motion
  • Gripless soles
  • The minimal surface area on the bottom of the shoe
  • Weak construction

Flip flops have many of the characteristics of dangerous footwear while driving, as do many other types of shoes such as stiletto heels, knee or ankle-high boots, or platform shoes. To avoid accidents while still enjoying the freedom of flip-flops, keep an extra pair of driving-friendly shoes in your car, and change before you get on the road.

What to Do After an Accident Involving Flip Flops

Whether you were in an accident caused by another driver who was wearing flip flops or you were wearing flip flops during your accident, you may suffer serious injuries and damage to your property and possessions after a collision. You can collect compensation for your injuries through a personal injury lawsuit or insurance claim. Take the following steps to properly document your accident before making your claim.

  • Call 911 to bring emergency services and police officers to the scene.
  • Seek medical attention and collect your medical records.
  • Take pictures of the scene, including all vehicles involved, your injuries, traffic signs, and the surrounding area.
  • Collect the contact and insurance information of the other driver and the contact information of any witnesses at the scene.

Common Injuries Sustained After A Flip Flop Auto Accident

Flip flops can cause serious injuries due to the nature of auto accidents. They can range from minor whiplash to severe knee, spinal cord, & brain injuries.

As soon as you receive medical attention and before you speak to an insurance company, contact a car accident attorney to assist you with your claim. Your car accident lawyer in Las Vegas or Henderson and we will be able to assist you with speaking with auto insurance adjusters and negotiating for optimal compensation.

 

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