Although some people say they are comfortable driving without shoes, experts recommend wearing fitting comfortable shoes that have a good grip. Photo/File
Hello Robert, as a motoring expert in Uganda, one of the more curious questions that arises from time to time is whether it is illegal to drive barefoot. This question often comes up among new drivers or rural motorists who sometimes slip behind the wheel straight from their gardens or homesteads.
So, is it against the law to drive barefoot in Uganda? Uganda’s Traffic and Road Safety Act and accompanying regulations do not explicitly mention barefoot driving as an offence. There is no specific section in the Traffic and Road Safety Act, 1998 or the Highway Code of Uganda that prohibits a person from driving without shoes.
Most traffic laws in East Africa, and indeed globally, do not criminalise barefoot driving in themselves. However, while it is not illegal per se, the law emphasises the driver’s responsibility to maintain full control of the vehicle at all times.
Regulation 29 of the Traffic and Road Safety Regulations emphasises that a driver must be in proper control of their vehicle and must not drive in a manner that could endanger other road users. Therefore, should barefoot driving be seen as a factor that contributed to a crash or poor vehicle control, a driver could still be found at fault for negligence or careless driving.
The safety argument
From a safety standpoint, driving barefoot can be both beneficial and risky, depending on the situation. Some people argue that driving barefoot gives them a better “feel” of the pedals and more precise control, particularly in manual transmission cars.
This tactile feedback can be helpful for drivers who are used to the technique. However, there are more compelling arguments against barefoot driving. For instance, the soles of human feet are not as uniformly flat or firm as shoe soles, which can make it harder to apply steady pressure on the pedals. Sweaty feet may slip, and if the driver has any injuries or sensitivity, it may affect how they brake or accelerate.
Moreover, in the event of an emergency stop or crash, being barefoot can increase your risk of injury. Feet are vulnerable to broken glass, sharp metal, and hot surfaces. If a driver needs to exit the car quickly after an accident, navigating gravel, tarmac, or other rough terrain without shoes can hinder mobility and pose further risk.
Footwear choices matter
It is also important to note that not all footwear is safe for driving, either. In fact, while barefoot driving may not be ideal, it can still be safer than wearing inappropriate footwear such as flip-flops, high heels, or overly bulky boots. Flip-flops, for example, are notorious for slipping off and getting stuck under the pedals, an action that has led to accidents.
Expert recommendations
As a motoring expert, my recommendation is this; always wear sensible, closed, and well-fitted shoes when driving. Good driving shoes should have thin soles to allow pedal feel, but thick enough to provide foot protection. They should also have good grip and cover the entire foot to prevent slipping or obstruction. If you find yourself needing to drive barefoot because your footwear is unsafe for driving, it is better to drive barefoot than in, say, high heels or slippery slippers. However, keep a pair of safe driving shoes in your car for such situations.
In summary, driving barefoot in Uganda is not illegal. However, it can pose safety risks depending on the situation, and the burden falls on the driver to ensure they are always in full control of the vehicle. While Uganda’s laws do not prohibit barefoot driving, poor control resulting from it could still lead to charges of reckless or careless driving. Therefore, the best practice is to always wear appropriate shoes when driving; your safety, and that of others on the road, depends on it.
