The Colorado Driver's Manual doesn't indicate such a requirement. I
also recall an urban myth television show "busting" another
footwear/driving myth that states required drivers to be wearing
shoes. It was a couple of years ago on MTV, I belive, and, as I
recall, it claimed to be comprehensive of the rules of the 50 states
at the time. There may be a catchall statute about safe operation of
an automobile, but I doubt you'd get written up for that absent a
collision, in which case, you've got bigger worries than a citation.
The biggest concern as I see it is if you have some type of accident
while in the cast. An adverse party could forseeably argue that your
reaction time was slowed due to the decreased mobility from the cast.
This is probably a matter left up to your own assessment of your
ability. I have driven with a sprained right ankle and found it
marginally more difficult (of course, I still had some ability to flex
my ankle, which you won't have): probably about the equivalent of
driving in very high heels. If you keep your commute times relatively
short so that you don't tire of manipulating your foot from
accelerator to brake from the hip and are more cautious than usual to
avoid sudden braking situations, you'll probably be able to reduce
this risk to a tolerable (for you, not necessarily a court or
insurance company) level. This also assumes you'll be able to feel
the pressure you're putting on the pedals, which may not be possible
through a cast. Other ways to reduce risks would be to avoid driving
at rush hours and carpooling instead, keeping your driving to grocery
store runs and such as that. I'm sure people will be understanding
and willing to help, especially given the cast.
A caller on NPR's "Car Talk" faced a similar issue, and asked the
Tappit brothers' advice on having her car outfitted with left-footed
pedals. It was funny. I have no idea how much such a device would
cost, but if you would find it useful, the guys thought a few hours of
slow speed driving would be all you need to get competent at the
left-footed thing. |
