KEEP IT PRACTICAL

What's on your feet?

It's one of our stock questions when there's a car crash.

What kind of shoes was the at fault driver wearing behind the wheel?

Footwear matters. Most of us understand. It's just common sense. Everyone needs to wear shoes that allow them to safely press the gas or brake pedal. Nothing can get hung up on or under the pedals to prevent our feet from operating those pedals in safety. It's no defence to say my shoe just got caught. It's not an act of God that your sandal jammed the gas pedal wide open. Driving is a privilege not a right. Operating a motor vehicle in safety means wearing practical footwear.

What footwear fails does your local injury lawyer see?

• Flip flops. Just leave them on the beach. That plastic or leather toe thong will get hung up on a pedal;
• Heels. Leave them at the office or pack them in a bag. Wear those sensible running shoes behind the wheel;
• Snowmobile boots. The big fat clunkers with enough insulation to choke an elephant. They're too big to quickly and safely depress a pedal with any accuracy;
• Untied shoes. Loose shoelaces wind around pedal arms;
• Oldies. Aren't always goodies. Your comfy old dress shoes probably have no treads left and a slick worn sole that will slip off a pedal; and
• No shoes at all. Bare isn't better. Proper shoes with rubber soles provide a grippy non-slip contact surface.

The simple things in life make a big difference. Taking the time to actually look down at your feet before you get behind the wheel can save lives. The stupid little things can make all the difference. One of the most depressing realities in our work as injury lawyers is realizing that one minute of practical diligence could save innocent victims decades of intense pain and loss. It's that simple. And that sad.

If you've been seriously injured in a car crash and suspect the at fault driver who hit you was wearing crap footwear, call your local injury lawyer who has the experience to know what matters.

Call Martin Law For Your Free Consultation.