High heels definitely not safe to drive in

[sandcastle]

Did a first recently, and went out driving in the day (to Oxford).

Underdressed, wig, and a really nice pair of high heels (gladiator?) I'd bought in M&S.

Eventually, found somewhere quiet (ish) to don the wig and change the shoes. Finding such a place was actually pretty difficult - any tips?

Feeling really nervous and wanting to check/adjust the hair, my gear changes became very bad indeed. Probably due to not depressing the clutch enough.

After whipping the wig off, on entering the city, I swapped shoes again before taking a couple of books back to the library.

For my return journey, I decided not to change back into my lovely shoes, but did enjoy having the touch of hair on my shoulders and back, for the 45 minute drive home.

Do you think the frisson of nerves is part of the fun?

Sandra

[Helen_Highwater]

I'm someone who's ventured out very little, mainly at night, only one one or two occasions in daylight (is there a link between vampires and CD'ing?), I know how nerve racking it can be. Couple that to learning the new skill of driving in heels and it's not surprising that your driving is a bit jaded.
Perhaps it would help if you just tried wearing heels and every thing else drab until you become more proficient, more second nature. Last thing you need is a crash to dent your confidence.

[Suzette Muguet de Mai]

I say avoid at all costs driving or operating any type of equipment, machinery, automobiles, Marine, and anything in high heels. If an accident results in one not controlling oneself during the operation of the vehicle due to "high heels" how would one answer a prosecutor if the question was proposed in a court where others including media maybe attending? What if the charge was manslaughter and you end up in prison? What would the imprisonment term bring? Wear flats and use the high heels to walk in to and from the equipment and play it safe. Just my suggestion.

[LynnInDenver]

I've not had problems driving in high heels. You just have to be prepared to adjust your posture a little bit, as well as position on the pedals.

[Zoie]

Ya takes practice I've been wearing them and driving for years.. swear I could race Nascar in them. HEHE

[NathalieX66]

I usually take flats with me.
I almost had an accident last week when the heel of my 3½" heel boot slipped under the brake pedal, prohibiting me from braking. Sometimes when the drive gets long, you get lazy and start contorting your feet in odd configurations , thus the situation I mentioned.

[docrobbysherry]

I don't get out much. But once, I tried driving in some 4 1/2"s! I got the knack after a few stop signs, but only drove a couple of miles on surface streets. Would NEVER try it on an express way! EEK!

[Rianna Humble]

I've read several people say that driving in heels is dangerous, but as Lynn said it is more a question of posture. I have never had any difficulty driving with 4" heels, I simply hold my foot at the correct angle. It may help that I have driven barefoot or with man-style shoes in the past and each of those requires a different posture so adapting to the right posture for heels was no biggie for me.

I'm sorry, but I think Tanya is making quite a stretch from wearing heels to ending up killing someone and going to prison.

[Angela Rose]

An article in a UK national newspaper claims that more than three million GG women have been rushed to hospital after their high heels have caused accidents. These figures do not include road accidents but are the result of falling over which have resulted in broken ankles, tearing tendons, broken wrists and damaging teeth. 3000 women polled and six out of ten said they would continue wearing the killer heels. If GG girls disregard their safety for fashion, it's no wonder CD's follow suit, but risking their and other peoples lives in a car is to my mind irresponsible.

[Sarasometimes]

Just part of the learning process that women start when theyare girls. I drive in heels (ok low ones) and just use a bit more caution. The idea that driving in heels is wreckless is a bit of a stretch. There are a lot of things that have risk, we just need to manage the risk. If the clutch is a challenge in 5" stilettoes, don't throw out the shoes (donate them to someone here), start with a low heel and work up to a higher one.

[JohnH]

There's a difference nobody has mentioned - in the United States almost all vehicles have automatic transmissions [except 18 wheelers], but I understand in the United Kingdom a lot of vehicles have manual transmissions. It's more confusing when one has to work the clutch so in that situation heels would make more of a difference.

[Sara Jessica]

It's unsafe, just don't do it.

[Misty G]

I wear heels when driving a lot, have been doing so for several years. It was a bit awkward to begin with but you do get use to it.

[LeannL]

I guess it comes down to God-given skills supported by practice. It is the only way I can explain why some appear to be able to drive in heels and some can't. I appear to one of the lucky ones as I have never had a problem and I have been driving in heels for almost 20 years. For most of that time, I have had manual transmissions. In the last 4 months, I have probably driven several thousand miles in the Northeast US - mostly between New York and Boston. It has included city driving and highway driving including backed up highway driving. However, I won't mow my lawn in heels. I have enough trouble with the "clutch" and the brake on that thing already

One skill that I do practice at times and which might be useful for those that have manual transmissions is shifting without using the clutch. If you have a syncro-mesh in the transmission, then you can slip in and out of gear by just adjusting the speed of the engine to match the speed of the car. A great many people don't believe that one can do this but, in part, this is why I am on my original clutch with over 200,000 miles on it. (Now if that discussion doesn't show that I truly have a male side, I don't know what will !)

So, heel lovers just keep practicing and you will be able to drive yourselves to those hot night clubs in those hhhiiiggghhh heels!

Leann

[Sara Jessica]

I guess it comes down to God-given skills supported by practice. It is the only way I can explain why some appear to be able to drive in heels and some can't....So, heel lovers just keep practicing and you will be able to drive yourselves to those hot night clubs in those hhhiiiggghhh heels!

Just because one can do something doesn't mean they should. I CAN drive in heels, I have done so in the past. These days I choose not to in the interest of safety.

[mklinden2010]

Did a first recently, and went out driving in the day (to Oxford).

Underdressed, wig, and a really nice pair of high heels (gladiator?) I'd bought in M&S.

Eventually, found somewhere quiet (ish) to don the wig and change the shoes. Finding such a place was actually pretty difficult - any tips?

Feeling really nervous and wanting to check/adjust the hair, my gear changes became very bad indeed. Probably due to not depressing the clutch enough.

After whipping the wig off, on entering the city, I swapped shoes again before taking a couple of books back to the library.

For my return journey, I decided not to change back into my lovely shoes, but did enjoy having the touch of hair on my shoulders and back, for the 45 minute drive home.

Do you think the frisson of nerves is part of the fun?

Sandra

Depends on what you call "fun."

You went out dressed and the sun did not fall into the sea... It never does.

Take note of that... Don't undress; don't give yourself a case of nerves; don't be a nervous/clumsy driver.

Shoes are shoes. Adapt and be safe. I have to take off my hiking boots to drive because the boot locks my ankle and I have to work the entire leg to depress the gas pedal, etc. Smarter to drive in socks and hike in boots. Right tool for the job and all that...

And, not only can you drive without using the clutch to shift, if you think about it, you can drive without the clutch all day long. A bit bumpy, a bit noisy, but I did it in my younger days when the clutch cable would break and I still needed to drive somewhere. Like riding an ill-tempered pony, but it works.

Again, you'd be surprised what you can do. Just be safe.

[Angela Rose]

reading some of these posts, it seems that most people take the view, that as they have done something for a long time and nothing bad has happened, it never will happen. But it could and it could be you. But you go on looking at life in denial and I trust and pray that your god will keep you safe. When it comes to heels and driving there are two more pedals to contend with Brake and accelarator. Would you agree with the drunk who says he always drives after drinking alcohol and nothing has happened to him, and that he can drive as well when drunk as when sober.

[Rianna Humble]

When it comes to heels and driving there are two more pedals to contend with Brake and accelarator. Would you agree with the drunk who says he always drives after drinking alcohol and nothing has happened to him, and that he can drive as well when drunk as when sober.

Actually for a proper driver we are talking about three pedals - you forgot the clutch!

Every time you get in a car you have the potential for an accident. If I followed your logic, I should never step out of my hose for fear that something might happen.

It is possible to have an accident when wearing heels. It is also possible to have an accident when wearing men's shoes whilst driving. It is equally possible to have an accident when driving bare-foot. So the obvious solution is never drive because it is possible to have an accident.

Alternatively, you can drive correctly whilst barefoot / wearing flats / wearing heels and know that your choice of footware does not add any certainty of accident.

Incidentally, I have had a number of collisions whilst wearing clothes, should I forgo wearing clothes whilst driving?

[JohnH]

Actually for a proper driver we are talking about three pedals - you forgot the clutch!

Cars with automatic transmissions have only two pedals - brake and accelerator.

And, not only can you drive without using the clutch to shift, if you think about it, you can drive without the clutch all day long. A bit bumpy, a bit noisy, but I did it in my younger days when the clutch cable would break and I still needed to drive somewhere. Like riding an ill-tempered pony, but it works.

I understand that you don't need to depress the clutch while shifting gears, but how does one stop and start again without using the clutch?

John

[Alice Torn]

The main thing is to be careful always, and test your heels or boots, to see how they work with the pedals, before hitting the roads. I drove 2000 miles across most of the U.S. with two cats in the car, three times! That was pushing it, hazardous!

[KlaireLarnia]

Heals and driving depends on what you drive. If you drive a Crosa/Micra I would aviod it - the cars are too small and cramped. If you drive a 4x4, a people carrier (Scenic / Zafira / Galaxy) or even something the size of am Insignia then you should be fine. I often get Insgina's for hire cars at work and I can drive 400 miles in my 3 1/2 inch heels without breaking a sweat once I get the seat in the right position.

Klaire

[Suzette Muguet de Mai]

Like I said, it is only my suggestion. Do as you like, I am not you

[Karren H]

I've been driving in heels for years and have never had an issue. You want to drive wearing something difficult.. Try my underground mining boots... In a small car you can barely move your feet with them on..

[Rianna Humble]

Actually for a proper driver we are talking about three pedals - you forgot the clutch!

Cars with automatic transmissions have only two pedals - brake and accelerator.

QED! You don't need a proper driving license to drive an automatic

[Loni]

Cars with automatic transmissions have only two pedals - brake and accelerator.



I understand that you don't need to depress the clutch while shifting gears, but how does one stop and start again without using the clutch?

John

to stop just put into nuteral and coast to a stop.
to start have it in gear using the starter moter. best to try and not stop, timing at the lights is a good thing. never run a light or stop sign.
i have had to do this a number of times with a number autos/trucks.
but then i drive a big rig all day/night long.