As a courier driver, you will no doubt have a selection of clothing (perhaps even a uniform or branded gear) that keeps you cool in summer, warm in winter and most important, protected, and comfortable. But what about the shoes you wear for driving, and how could wearing the wrong footwear have a negative impact on your commercial van insurance?
Rule 97 of The Highway Code states that before setting off you must ensure that, “clothing and footwear do not prevent you using the controls in the correct manner.”1
Driving in rubber wellies, even if it’s pouring with rain or you’re delivering to a muddy location, is a no-no. Wellies restrict free movement of ankles and feet, meaning control of your van is compromised. Flip flops, as the name suggests, also provide zero support for ankles and can slip (or flop) off the pedals, which could lead to a flipped over vehicle and a serious accident. Don’t drive in flip flops, even for a short distance delivery, or even if it’s baking hot.
Is any type of footwear illegal to drive in?
While it isn’t illegal to wear wellies or flip flops while driving, if you can’t operate and control your vehicle safely, a claim could be rejected, should you need to make one.
Our advice
If the weather is extreme and it’s either snowing, raining, or boiling hot, keep a pair of suitable shoes in the boot (excuse the pun) and wear sensible shoes for driving in.
What is appropriate driving footwear?
According to the AA, the best driving shoes are sufficiently flexible to allow for unrestricted movement (control of the pedals) and have a thin sole with a good grip so that you can feel the pedal pressure beneath your feet. Examples given by the AA of good footwear include trainers, boat shoes (also known as deck shoes), and loafers. They look smart and are a great investment, especially if you, as a van driver, spend most of your working day behind a wheel.
If the soles of your boots or shoes are too thick or the style too chunky, you could be in danger of pressing both pedals at the same time and compromising control of your car or van. Steel-toe capped boots are not a great option either, as they tend to be heavier than softer boots or shoes and could prevent you from feeling the pressure of the pedals.
So, let’s recap
Pedal Control and Sensitivity
Enhanced Grip
Proper driving shoes provide a good grip on the pedals, preventing your foot from slipping, which is essential when operating a van’s larger and potentially heavier controls.
Pedal Feedback
Vans often require more precise control, especially when dealing with a heavier load or navigating tight spaces. Shoes with thin soles allow better “feel” of the pedals, enabling smoother acceleration, braking, and gear changes.
Comfort and Fatigue Reduction
Long-Distance Driving
As a van driver, especially if you’re covering long distances, you need shoes that offer comfort and reduce fatigue. Shoes that are too tight or have inadequate support can cause discomfort, leading to reduced concentration and increased risk of accidents.
Posture and Foot Support
Good driving shoes support your foot arch and help maintain proper posture, reducing strain on your legs, knees, and back during extended periods of driving.
Safety Considerations
Prevention of Accidental Slip
Ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or sandals can easily slip off or get caught under pedals, leading to dangerous situations. Proper driving shoes minimise this risk by securely fitting your feet and providing consistent contact with the pedals.
Quick Response Time
Shoes that fit well and allow for easy movement between pedals are crucial in emergency situations where quick reflexes are needed to brake or manoeuvre the vehicle.
If you’re looking for comprehensive Van Insurance, BCD can provide you with the right level of cover at competitively priced rates. We’re UK-based, so we can arrange your Van Insurance over the phone or provide you with our expert advice on what would best suit your business and van type.
We provide insurance for all types of van and offer flexible payment options that help you spread out the cost, including payment plan options and flexible payment dates to suit your income flow.
For Van Insurance quotes, call us, email us, or find out more by visiting the rest of our website. Put your best foot forward and pick up the phone today!
Call: 0344 776 5304