The advice comes after several horror reports of people getting injured due to the fashion choice
People with long hair have been reminded to keep one item out of the car at all costs to avoid causing major damage if an accident occurs. Some people have nearly lost their lives as a result of wearing them, urging other drivers to do the same.
Mike Thompson, chief operating officer at Leasing Options, warned that wearing clothing or accessories that restrict movement or control while driving could cause drivers to face serious consequences. Punishments can include a £100 fine and three penalty points if their clothing hinders their ability to drive safely.
Mike explains that Rule 97 of the Highway Code specifically states that “drivers must not wear clothing that restricts their movement or interferes with their ability to operate the controls properly”. But, with popular fashion choices constantly changing and evolving, there’s a chance your trendy outfit choices could lead to major issues while driving.
Some come with added dangers that could land people with serious injuries, enough to make anyone think twice before getting behind the wheel in the same situation again. With summer underway and the hot weather forecast to return, many people with long hair will be pulling it back to stay cool and maintain focus when getting behind the wheel.
However, one popular hair accessory could put your life at risk if you decide to keep it in while on the road. As convenient as claw clips can be, they could cause serious injuries if you happen to be involved in a car crash.
Why are claw clips risky to wear when driving?
The danger of claw clips is primarily due to the distractions they can cause and their sharpness. If a driver is adjusting or fixing their claw clip while driving, they are, without thinking, diverting their attention from the road. In a car crash, loose hair clips can cause injury by becoming a projectile or pressing against the back of the driver’s head.
The Mirror has reported on several incidents involving these hair accessories. Jeena Panesar put her hair up in a claw clip before heading out to her car on January 24, 2023. But, she was left fearing she would die after it sliced through her scalp and became lodged in her head during a crash.
She was driving home from work in Swadlincote, Derbyshire, when her vehicle hit a tree and the car skidded for 50 metres before flipping over. The crash threw Jeena against the roof and crushing the clip into her head.
Are there any other clothing items to avoid?
When deciding what to wear while driving, safety should be a priority before style. One of the most dangerous items someone can wear during the summer is flip-flops or ‘Birkenstock’ style sandals.
While they are comfortable in the pool and on the beach, studies have shown that motorists who drive wearing flip-flops have less control over their pedals. Similarly, heavy boots like Dr Martens can be dangerous to drive in due to their heavy and rigid design.
Mike said: “This can affect a driver’s ability to change pedals, which is crucial while driving quickly. To make sure you maintain control, it’s best to wear comfortable, secure shoes like trainers while driving, as these are the safest shoes to wear while on the road. If you don’t typically wear these shoes, make sure to keep a spare pair in the boot, as something you can quickly change into.”
Flowy dresses and maxi skirts are a great way to cool down during summer, allowing for breathability. However, long dresses can get caught under pedals, causing problems with the pedals or even overflowing onto the gearbox, making it harder to change gears safely. To avoid this, make sure your skirts and dresses aren’t too loose while driving or keep them tucked securely under seatbelts.
Throughout summer, sunglasses are a wardrobe staple for many, and you can always be guaranteed to spot someone rocking a pair of sunglasses in a convertible. However, before you get behind the wheel of a car, it’s important to make sure that your shades aren’t too dark to drive in.
Mike said: “If your sunglasses make it difficult for you to see the road clearly, it may be best to just stick with keeping the sunshade down instead.”