Drivers are being warned that they need to dress appropriately to drive.

Getting behind the wheel while wearing summer holiday clothing such as swimwear and flip flops is not safe.

LeaseCar.uk has named five items of summer clothing which could result in a fine if worn by a driver.

The right gear

Rule 97 of the Highway Code states that drivers must not wear clothes which restrict their movement and prevent them from properly using the controls.

While most drivers may be aware that driving barefoot is considered dangerous, other dressing styles can also raise eyebrows.

Many items of clothing can prevent a driver from effectively braking, leading to dangerous driving and increasing the risk of accidents.

Safety style

Tim Alcock from LeaseCar.uk said: “It’s vital for motorists to be comfortable while driving, but this mustn’t come at the expense of safety.

“There are many clothing pieces which Brits wear every day in summer, without realising they may be harming their ability to drive correctly.

“Clothes like sliders and flip-flops are a staple in any summer wardrobe, but wearing them while driving can prevent motorists from having proper control over their pedals, so they’re definitely something to avoid wearing when behind the wheel.

“Many of us wear sunglasses when driving to avoid being dazzled by the summer sun, but drivers must make sure that their glasses don’t obstruct their view, as this could also be a hazard.”

Here are LeaseCar.uk’s five everyday summer clothes to avoid wearing when driving:

Flip-flops

Sliders and flip-flops are popular summer items, and many people wear them when driving to and from the beach or pool.

However, studies have shown that motorists who drive wearing flip-flops have less control over their pedals and are less effective at braking.

It goes without saying that this will make driving more risky and should be avoided.

Experts recommend that motorists wear substantial shoes, such as trainers, when driving, which allows them to have optimal control over their vehicle.

Sunglasses

There are many people during summer who are never spotted without their sunglasses on.

While the right pair of sunglasses may help people avoid being dazzled by the sun, a poorly fitting pair could obstruct vision when driving.

Motorists must ensure that their sunglasses are appropriate and that their vision is not impaired by their glasses.

Loose clothing

During the summertime, many women wear more comfortable loose dresses and loose flowing trousers, allowing for breathability.

What many do not realise, though, is that dresses and trousers like this often get trapped beneath people’s feet when driving, causing problems when using the pedals.

Tight clothing

While many people prefer wearing loose clothing during the summer, some like wearing tight clothing.

Tight shorts for men have become more prevalent in recent years, but excessively tight clothes restricting movement are not ideal for driving.

It is recommended that while driving, people should wear the most comfortable clothes they can.

Swim clothing

Many people find it convenient to wear swim clothing when on their way to the beach or pool, saving having to change when they arrive.

Then, after their summer swim, they find themselves driving back home in damp clothing.

This can be uncomfortable, distracting and leading to less movement when driving than is necessary, restricting control over the vehicle.