What not to wear while driving

If you’re a regular on TikTok (follow us here), you may remember a trend warning of the dangers of wearing claw clips in your hair while driving, as they can cause significant head injuries in the event of a crash. Some of the people posting had been in car accidents, others were emergency room doctors who had to deal with the aftermath.

We don’t often think about what everyday items could be dangerous (or even life-threatening) in a road accident. So, we have pulled together a list of items to avoid when driving to ensure you are driving safely and you are protecting yourself and others on the road:

Smart watches

Smart watches are a portable device; it’s as unlawful as a phone if you’re using it while driving. It’s also a big distraction – texts, calls and notifications are popping up and taking your attention away from the road. Get in the habit of taking it off when you’re in the car.

We talk about playing “hard to get” in our blog here.

Shoes

Don’t worry - most shoes are fine to wear while driving. However, chunky boots, high heels and thongs/flip flops are not advisable to wear behind the wheel. They can impact the pressure you can feel on or apply to the pedals, and also limit your mobility to respond quickly in an emergency. Shoes that slip off easily have the added risk of being caught beneath the pedals.

I personally wear high heels on a daily basis, so I keep a pair of flats in the car to change into before I get behind the wheel.

Puffy coats

This is an important one for those with young kids in car seats: puffy jackets, or anything that creates space between the seatbelt and their body, reduce the seatbelt’s effectiveness in the event of a crash. The safest way to stay safe and warm is to buckle them in, and then tuck the jacket or a blanket over the top of the seatbelt. Read more about car seat safety.

But it’s not just kids: drivers should also be aware of how coats can restrict movement, like turning your head to check blind spots.

Headphones

In Victoria, it’s not illegal to wear headphones while driving, but authorities strongly advise against it. If you’re involved in an accident or found to not have proper control of your car, you could be prosecuted.

Victoria Police emphasise that wearing headphones can significantly affect your ability to focus on driving. It also means you’re unlikely to hear vital sounds like a flat tyre, or emergency vehicles around you. 

Staying safe on Victorian roads

Distracted driving is a leading cause of injury and fatality on our roads.

None of us want to think that we can be seriously injured or killed on our roads - a number in the road toll. But sadly, every day families are devastated by this reality. Simple tips like these can potentially save you from a life-changing collision.

If you or someone you love has been injured on the road, we can help. Our experienced team of road injury lawyers have helped thousands of people access their entitlements and get support for their recovery. Contact us today to find out what options are available to you, or take our free online claim check.