Driving without shoes is not against the law in Tennessee, or any other state for that matter. Then, why do some police officers across the nation believe this myth? I always suspected the idea grew into a legend because floorboards on early cars were hot, and most drivers preferred the comfort of shoes to bare feet.
It was a good idea in theory, but I haven’t been able to verify that notion. I discussed my speculation with my Uncle Mo, who used to talk about reducing the air pressure on the tires of his 1931 Ford Model A. With the tires under inflated, they wrapped perfectly over the railroad tracks which allowed him to “run the rails” without holding onto the steering wheel. He was, however, quick to mention he checked the train schedule frequently.
Traffic laws often become topics of misinterpretation, and then in time spawn into folklore. I heard the other day that in Tennessee it is illegal to shoot game other than whales from a moving vehicle.
One misunderstood law that is relatively new is the Move Over Law. It is a safety issue that requires drivers to change lanes when they approach a stopped police car that is operating blue lights on the side of the road. The law, however, is not just about police vehicles.
Drivers approaching any stationary vehicle are required to change lanes into a lane not adjoining the stationary vehicle. Stationary vehicles include police cars, fire, ambulance, highway maintenance vehicles, wreckers, or vendor vehicles used for road repair, maintenance or construction. If changing lanes cannot be made safely, drivers can continue in the same lane by reducing their speed and driving in a safe manner.
Considering safety, how can anyone expect to drive in heavy rain following a multitude of cars that are using their emergency flashers/ hazard lights? I believe it is not only blinding to follow, but the flashing lights make it hard to judge a safe distance between your car and the car in front. It also makes it impossible to realize if a car is stopping because hazard lights override the brake lights on many cars. 
Hazard lights are not driving lights. They are designed for stationary vehicles that are off the roadway. If it is dangerous enough for hazard lights, it might be too dangerous to be on the road. Exceptions include warning motorist approaching from the rear that interstate traffic has stopped, and when large trucks are struggling to drive up steep grades.
Normally, we slow down or come to a stop before entering a road, but that does not apply when we enter the interstate. At age 19, I frightened my mother while entering the interstate in my 1969 Ford Mustang by slamming gears with the accelerator flat on the floor. I knew I was in trouble when she screamed my full name and told me to slow down. I had not even reached the interstate speed limit, but I did reach the speed limit in record time.
Entering the interstate resembling an Indycar leaving pit row at the Indianapolis 500 may be irresponsible, but it is easier to obtain the speed of the flow of traffic before merging onto the interstate than it is to accelerate to the speed limit at the end of the entrance ramp.
Unless circumstances prohibit, driving a vehicle less than 55 mph in the left lane of any interstate highway is against the law. And yes, the law does require the use of a turn sign BEFORE changing into another lane. I am often tickled when I see turn signals activate after a vehicle starts changing lanes. That makes as much sense as running a red light then stopping. Using the turn signal is nothing more than a request to change lanes, and it does not give a driver an automatic right to turn.
My grandfather taught me to use my turn signal to tell the drivers behind me that the vehicle in front of me was turning. This is just as much incorrect as using the turn signal to notify cars behind you that it is OK to pass.
You can’t escape the law of nature. If you change into a different traffic lane, the one you were in will always move faster. A driver who is not familiar with a traffic law may not escape liability for violating that law. The Tennessee driver’s manual is available free online. Be surprised. Go see how much you don’t know.
Charlie Sewell is chief of police for McMinnville Police Department.