12 February 2024 , 09:47
826
0
Motorists are being warned to think twice before slipping on their Ugg boots - which could land them with a hefty fine.
From Tazz to Tazman, Ultra Mini to Mini, Uggs have seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years, and fans are duly obsessed with the footwear - which will set you back upwards of £100.
But experts are now warning people of the dangers caused by driving in the shoe, in keeping with the Highway Code which states you should wear "footwear and clothing which does not prevent you from using the controls in the correct manner."
Shoes that are not fitted or fastened to your feet - like slouchy Uggs - can be dangerous when in control of the car.
It is not illegal to wear Uggs behind the wheel, but police can still impose the fine if they deem footwear to be inappropriate. Drivers can also be issued with up to nine points on their license.
'I don't want children staying up late at weekends - I really need adult time'
However, a fine would usually only be imposed if an accident had taken place, and the person happened to be wearing Uggs - less so if they were just pulled over wearing them.
Director of Nationwide Vehicle Contracts Keith Hawes, told Tyla: "With the cold weather, it may seem easy to wear warm, slip-on shoes, however this can have a large impact on your ability to drive and safely operate your car.
"Drivers could consider having an extra pair of shoes in their car, but they should make sure they are not too wide or too thick to avoid pressing two pedals at once."
He added: "Ultimately, an extra pair of shoes will mean drivers can avoid fines and prioritise safety on the roads by ensuring they have the correct footwear for their vehicle."
It comes after a teacher admitted she 'thought she was going to die' in her car when one of her Ugg boots became trapped under the brake pedal - causing a head-on smash.
Vera Baxter, ploughed into a Mercedes after veering on to the wrong side of the road. Moments earlier, police officers in a patrol car had to swerve out of the way of the 49-year-old’s Volkswagen Golf as she fought to free her right foot from her thick woollen boots.
Assistant head teacher Vera crawled free from the wreckage after tearing her boot away from the pedal in the aftermath. She was arrested and charged with dangerous driving after having hospital treatment for cracked ribs and internal bruising.
She walked free from the dock after admitting the charge at Manchester Crown Court hearing. Judge Martin Steiger QC banned her from driving for four months and fined her £350 after accepting that material between the buttons of her Ugg 'Cardy' boot had become snagged on the brake pedal.