ORLANDO, Fla. – News 6 traffic safety expert Trooper Steve Montiero answers viewer questions about the rules of the road, helping Florida residents become better drivers by being better educated.
On Thursday, a viewer asked, “Can I drive barefoot?”
Yes, you can. There’s no law in Florida that says you have to wear shoes behind the wheel.
But here’s the real question: Should you?
We live in a state where beaches outnumber parking spots and flip-flops are practically formalwear. Kicking off your shoes after a long day in the sand just feels right.
But when it comes to driving, going barefoot might not be the smartest move.
Without proper footwear, you lose critical grip on the pedals, and reaction time could be slowed.
Now imagine being in a crash. No shoes, no protection. The thought of broken toes and foot injuries is not exactly the relaxing beach vibe you were going for.
[Watch video below to see what Trooper Steve thinks about ‘left-lane lizards’]
So, here’s a simple fix: toss a pair of sneakers in your car. You don’t have to wear them on the sand, but when you get behind the wheel, your feet — and your safety — deserve a little backup.
Just a friendly Florida tip from someone who’s seen what can happen when drivers take “barefoot and carefree” a little too literally.
Stay safe, keep those toes intact, and enjoy the ride!
If you have a traffic question for Trooper Steve, submit it here.