One in four learner drivers wear thongs | study

It’s fun to hang loose in summer but safety experts warn against wearing pluggers while driving, as a new survey compares thong wearing across Australia.

Despite the safety risks, one quarter of learner drivers admit to wearing thongs while behind the wheel, a landmark study has found -- and once teenagers get their provisional licence, almost half choose to hang loose.

But before parents start to lecture anyone, the survey also found parents were likely setting a bad example: 43 per cent admitted to wearing thongs occasionally when behind the wheel.

Contrary to widespread belief, it is not illegal to drive barefoot. 

The survey of 800 Australians -- including 400 teenagers and 400 parents -- was conducted by Ford Australia in the lead-up to summer as part of its young driver training program.

It is not illegal to wear thongs while driving but safety experts advise against flip-slops or slippery high heels. They say it’s better to drive barefoot instead, so your feet can grip the pedals.

Contrary to widespread belief, it is not illegal to drive barefoot in all states and territories in Australia, providing drivers have “proper control of the vehicle”.

The study, conducted on behalf of Ford by Galaxy Research, also compared thong use among drivers across Australia.

Teens in Queensland and NSW were the worst offenders, with 38 per cent admitting to wearing thongs occasionally while driving, versus 34 per cent of teen drivers in South Australia, 26 per cent of teen drivers in Victoria and 24 per cent in West Australia.

“With so many risks on the road we load our vehicles with safety technology and help educate the public on safety,” said Ford Australia spokesman Wes Sherwood. “Wearing thongs is an easy one for people to avoid every time they get in the car.”