Distracted driving causes a lot of car crashes and has been shown to be incredibly dangerous. There’s no specific instance for distracted driving, anything that takes away your attention from driving can be considered a distraction. Everyone considers texting the main culprit of car crashes due to being distracted, but we have to consider a lot of other factors.
New technology in general, especially what we usually find in new vehicles is taking our attention away quite easily; hands-free devices have made a lot of tasks easier, like choosing your favorite song and turning up the volume.
Nowadays, listening to music while driving is considered a normal and almost necessary thing to do. It’s usually beneficial to do so, but volume plays a big part in how your favorite song will affect your driving. Too much of a good thing turns bad, and songs played with an incredibly loud volume are no exception.
In fact, some studies found that loud music will negatively impact your driving skills by lowering your reaction time, increasing your chances of crashing or failing to dodge an obstacle on the road. Several counties classify listening to loud music as a traffic infraction, even if loud music by itself isn’t considered illegal, obviously. If you find yourself running a red light and loud music was being played while doing so, expect an additional ticket from your local officers.
The power of music should never be underestimated. Music supervision can affect multiple areas of the brain and even its tempo can completely change the way a driver behaves. Dance or Techno music causes drivers to drive with more aggressive tendencies. This is a common occurrence in young adults. All of this can be avoided by keeping the radio off or listening to your favorite songs at a moderate level, but a lot of people don’t enjoy that.
But not all studies show that your favorite tunes have a negative impact on your performance. Music has been shown to produce the same hormones you get while doing something that makes you feel good, like hugging a loved one.
Like with everything else in life, moderation is key. Listening to music at a moderate level can also increase your focus and lower driver’s aggression and stress. A low tempo will also positively impact your mood, so you won’t get angry at every little thing.
The most important thing to remember is what’s the best course of action if you find yourself in a car accident with a distracted driver. Checking for injuries is the most obvious thing to do, but several things should come after that if a 911 call isn’t needed. Most times, shock and anxiety will be the first things you’ll feel, but you also need to remember to take immediate steps to protect your legal rights.
You shouldn’t let the distracted driver leave, he should remain at the scene of the accident. Pictures should be taken and all arguing about damage should cease. Insurance will take care of the damage caused, but you don’t want to find yourself unprepared with your company.
A civilian caught in a car accident should ask for legal assistance. A lawyer can help your case and will know what to do. That’s why you should let the lawyer talk to the insurance company. He will know what’s best and can prove everything that happened much better than a person caught in a car accident could.
In conclusion, research has shown conflicting information on distracted driving caused by music. That’s why it’s much better to let experience dictate what you’re doing in your car. Are you a novice driver? Keep the radio off and focus on the road. Are you an expert driver? Listen to your favorite songs at a moderate level and do your best to keep everyone and yourself safe.
