A hoodie is comfortable to wear while driving in the colder seasons. It’s also convenient if you’re in a hurry and need to throw something on quickly. However, there are some precautions you should take if you want to wear a hoodie while driving.
You can wear a hoodie while driving as it doesn’t go against any traffic laws, but be wary of the potential risks it might bring about. A hoodie while driving could block your side views, distort your hearing, cause overheating, or make you look suspicious in the eyes of a police officer.
I’ll further explain the potential risks of driving with a hoodie and what you can do to prevent the worst-case scenarios. Keep reading.
Why Is Wearing a Hoodie While Driving Potentially Risky?
Wearing a hoodie while driving is potentially risky mainly because your vision and auditory processing may be hindered, putting you and the surrounding drivers at risk of an accident.
A Hoodie Can Cause Visual and Auditory Obstruction
Putting on the hood of your hoodie may cause a block to your peripheral line-of-sight, making it hard to spot other drivers and pedestrians, as well as impair your ability to hear well since the hood will more than likely cover your ears. Leave the hood off to ensure safe driving for you and the surrounding cars.
The key to cautious driving is eliminating as many disturbances and blind spots as possible. Opt for a beanie instead if you want to cover your head (ensure the beanie doesn’t cover your ears).
If you don’t own any beanies, I recommend this six-pack set of ECJWEI Winter Beanie Hats. These beanies are unisex, and they’re solid colors. You can match them with anything.
Hoodies May Cause Overheating and Suspicion From the Police
Wearing a hoodie while driving may cause you to overheat and result in dizziness, causing you to faint. That said, ensure you’re not driving with a hoodie on when it’s pretty hot out. It’s not worth the risk.
Having the hood over your head may also make you look suspicious in the eyes of a police officer, even if you aren’t doing anything worthy of suspicion. According to Cleveland19, people who wear hoods over their heads without it being cold or raining appear to be trying to hide their identity, so remember to keep this in mind.
How To Make Driving With a Hoodie As Safe as Possible
Driving with a particular article of clothing on may not seem to pose any risks. However, freak accidents do happen, and it’s in your best interest to prevent them from occurring.
The following discusses a few tips on driving with a hoodie safely:
Tie the Drawstrings or Tuck Them Into Your Hoodie
If you want to wear a hoodie while driving, make sure you tie the drawstrings or tuck them into your hoodie before hitting the road. Tying or tucking your drawstrings will prevent them from getting caught in the steering wheel, furthermore preventing you from losing control of the wheel.
I know it sounds insane and unlikely, but freak accidents, unfortunately, do happen, as I mentioned before.
Wear a Jacket Instead of a Hoodie
A better option would be to wear a jacket with a zipper in the center instead of a hoodie. That way, you can take it off easily. If you want to take off your hoodie/jacket while driving, make sure to do so at a red light.
Can an Officer Pull You Over if You Wear a Hoodie While Driving?
An officer can pull you over if you wear a hoodie while driving. Although it’s a matter of how the officer sees and processes the situation, they’re likely to pull you over based on how they perceived you or if you raised suspicion.
Since you aren’t breaking any laws or rules, the chances are that you’re getting pulled over due to wearing something that’s hindering your vision, essentially putting yourself and everyone else on the road at risk of an accident.
Tips for Driving Safely
- Ensure you’re in the right headspace to drive. Driving requires composure and focus, so avoid driving if you’re frustrated or angry. If you happen to be on the road while you’re mad or frustrated, pull over and take a breather for a few minutes before continuing.
- Eliminate as many distractions as possible. Put your phone on “do not disturb,” and avoid using your phone while on the road at all costs. Don’t text and drive.
- Wear your seatbelt. Wearing your seatbelt may seem like an obvious point, but many people don’t buckle up before driving. You can get a fine if you do that.
- Never drive under the influence of any substance. Don’t operate a vehicle if you’ve been drinking or taking drugs, prescription or non-prescription.
- Obey the speed limits and road signs. They’re there to encourage safe driving and prevent accidents from happening as much as possible.
- Use your turn signals. Using your signals will prevent unexpected collisions. Since you can’t always depend on surrounding drivers to signal their intentions, at least signal yours.
- Obey the traffic lights. A yellow light isn’t a signal to step on the gas. It’s to notify you to slow down and prepare to stop.
- Be alert. Pay attention to what’s going on around you.
Conclusion
What you wear while driving impacts your safety more than one may assume. It’s essential to remain vigilant and be aware that particular articles of clothing may pose a safety risk, even if you don’t think so. Stay safe and happy driving!
What To Read Next:
