Driving Barefoot in Massachusetts and Rhode Island

Summer time season is quickly approaching, which means many people shall be shedding the sneakers and socks which have confined our piggies all winter lengthy.

Barefooting, or going with out sneakers, is rising in reputation. There are teams reminiscent of American Barefoot Membership and Society For Barefoot Residing. Some of us run, hike, and even ski on their naked ft.

For others, spending the day on the seashore, whether or not New Bedford’s East or West Seashores, Fort Phoenix, Horseneck, Misquamicut or Scarborough, and having the texture of the sand between their toes is exhilarating.

When it is time to head residence, it is powerful to squeeze your dawgs again right into a pair of sneakers – however driving whereas barefoot in Massachusetts and Rhode Island is prohibited, proper?

Flawed!

In line with the Boston-based Private Damage Regulation Agency Burns & Jain, “Opposite to many individuals’s perceptions or alleged data, it’s not unlawful to drive a automobile whereas barefoot in Massachusetts or in every other state,” together with Rhode Island.

Burns & Jain warned, nevertheless, “driving any automobile with out applicable footwear” could be harmful and enhance the chance of an accident.

“Naked ft clearly lack the traction that standard sneakers present,” the agency warned. “In case your ft are moist or sandy, they’ll simply slip off the fuel or brake pedal with tragic outcomes.”

Burns & Jain additionally cautioned in opposition to permitting footwear to “develop into entangled or caught beneath a brake pedal.”

Footwear reminiscent of slippers, flip flops, sneakers, and boots with lengthy laces, opened toes sandals, and excessive heels could be harmful when working a automobile and should make driving barefoot a safer choice.

In case your naked ft or footwear are decided to be a consider a motorized vehicle accident, it may be construed as reckless driving and lead to a penalty.

Boston-based Sweeney Merrigan Private Damage Legal professionals says, “Smart sneakers are the perfect driving sneakers.” The agency suggests “closed-in sneakers with good tractions and low heels.”

Each corporations agree that whereas no state bans barefoot driving, driving with out sneakers could be harmful.