While listening to music may make your ride go by a lot quicker and make it more enjoyable, it also comes with its own set of risks. Listening to music can impact your ability to drive safely. In fact, certain types of music have been found to be more dangerous than others. Whether or not you realize it, your taste in music could be affecting your driving.
According to some studies, 90 percent of drivers listen to some type of music in their car. Studies have shown that the simple act of listening to music when in high traffic can help to not only ease boredom, but also relieve the stress and anxiety that often accompanies congested roads and highways. But while it has many benefits, listening to music – especially loudly – can prove extremely distracting.
A study by scientists at Memorial University in Newfoundland has shown that when someone is listening to loud music, it can slow reaction time by as much as 20 percent. The study’s benchmark was set at 95 decibels, which is about the same volume as a power lawnmower. It may seem like that is exceptionally louder than anything you would listen to, but with the middle volume of a standard player clocking in at about 94 dB, and car volume commonly reaching 100 dB, you’re more likely to have listened to loud music than you might think. To make matters worse, 93 percent of new drivers play loud music when on the road.
Scientists at the South China University of Technology found that drivers who listen to higher tempo songs are more likely to drive erratically. Additionally, those in the study who listened to rock music changed lanes twice as often as others. If you’re wondering what music to avoid, Moneybarn’s list of most dangerous songs to drive to is listed as Green Day’s ‘American Idiot.’ The safest song to drive to is listed as Led Zeppelin‘s ‘Stairway to Heaven.’
Music that you like has shown to be distracting as you pay more attention to it than you should, and tend to focus less on the road. But no matter what music you listen to, utilizing the radio or a digital device proves to be a true, physical distraction, causing you to take your eyes off the road and your hands off the wheel.
Not only can listening to music that you enjoy prove to be a physical distraction, but it can also be an auditory distraction. Loud music often makes it difficult to hear sirens, horns, or other important sounds.
When it comes down to it, it’s unlikely that most of us are going to turn off our radios any time soon. However, if you are going to listen to music while behind the wheel, it is important that you do so at a lower level and pay attention to the road and what is around you.
Consult with a Qualified Car Accident Attorney
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident due to the negligence or recklessness of another person, the attorneys at Gauthier Amedee can help. At Gauthier Amedee, our team of experienced car accident attorneys understands the importance of safe driving and will fight hard to protect your rights. Don’t delay, contact Gauthier Amedee today at 225-647-1700 or fill out our online form to schedule a free case evaluation.
