(JUBA) – Driving barefoot is a common practice for some motorists in South Sudan, especially in rural areas where people often hop behind the wheel after farming or walking barefoot at home. But is it illegal? And more importantly, is it safe?
According to South Sudan’s current traffic regulations, there is no specific law that prohibits driving without shoes. Much like in other countries across East Africa and globally, barefoot driving is not explicitly banned. However, the law places a strong emphasis on driver responsibility and control.
Regulations of the South Sudan Traffic and Road Safety Regulations states that a driver must always maintain full and proper control of the vehicle. While being barefoot behind the wheel is not a direct violation, it could become a problem if it is shown to have contributed to an accident or loss of vehicle control. In such cases, the driver could be charged with reckless or careless driving.
From a safety point of view, the issue is not so much the legality but the practicality and risk factors involved. Some drivers argue that being barefoot gives them a better “feel” for the pedals, especially in manual transmission vehicles common in South Sudan. This tactile connection can help some drivers apply more accurate pedal pressure.
However, this argument has several weaknesses. The human foot lacks the firmness and even pressure that a proper driving shoe offers. Wet, sweaty, or injured feet can slip off the pedals and this lack of grip can become dangerous especially during emergency braking or when navigating poorly surfaced roads common in areas like Torit, Rumbek or Yambio.
Furthermore, driving barefoot leaves the foot exposed in case of an accident. In a crash, a driver may need to exit the car quickly, but walking on broken glass, gravel, or hot tarmac without shoes could cause serious injuries or delay escape.
Equally important is the type of shoes worn while driving. Some footwear is even worse than going barefoot. Flip flops, which are popular in hot South Sudanese weather, can easily slide off and get caught under pedals. High heels or oversized boots can also interfere with accurate pedal use.
| Footwear Type | Driving Safety | Risks |
|---|---|---|
| Barefoot | Moderate to low | Slippery, less protection, injury in crash |
| Flip-flops | Very low | Can slide off, get stuck under pedals |
| High heels | Very low | Awkward angle, poor control |
| Bulky boots | Low | Poor pedal sensitivity |
| Closed driving shoes | High | Good grip, protection, proper control |
Motoring experts recommend wearing well fitted, closed shoes while driving. Ideal driving shoes should have thin but firm soles that allow the driver to feel the pedals without compromising protection. Shoes should also have proper grip and fully cover the feet to avoid slipping.
Experts also advise motorists to keep a pair of suitable driving shoes in their car. This is especially helpful if someone wears sandals, slippers or high heels and needs to switch into more practical footwear before driving.
To summarise, driving barefoot is not against the law in South Sudan, but it can present real risks. It is the driver’s legal and moral responsibility to ensure full control of the vehicle at all times. Should an accident occur and barefoot driving is deemed to have contributed to it, legal consequences such as careless driving charges may follow.