Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents in the United States. In 2021, a total of 410 people died in collisions caused by texting and driving – the equivalent of more than one death per day.
However, aside from using phones to text or call someone, distractions while driving can take many forms, like the seemingly harmless music played on the way to a destination.
Impact on driving performance
Drivers often underestimate in-car distractions from activities that are widely acceptable but not necessarily safe, like listening to loud music or distracting audio entertainment while driving.
Loud music can affect a driver’s focus in various ways. For example, fast-paced and loud music can increase a driver’s heart rate and lead to more aggressive driving behaviors. Meanwhile, calming music can give some drivers a false sense of security, causing them to pay less attention on the road.
Furthermore, there is considerable risk from searching for songs, adjusting the volume or getting absorbed in a podcast or audiobook.
From a legal standpoint
If loud music or distracting audio were found to be a factor in a car crash, the driver could be liable for negligence due to their failure to maintain their focus on driving and keep the roads safe for everyone.
This liability can significantly impact the outcome of legal proceedings, insurance claims and settlements.
Recommendations for safer driving
To minimize the risks associated with distracted driving, drivers can set preventive measures that will help keep their focus on the road.
Setting playlists before hitting the road eliminates the need to fiddle with the controls while driving. Limiting the speakers’ volume to a certain level can also be helpful so that ambient noise from surrounding vehicles can still be heard.
A driver’s paramount responsibility is keeping the roads safe for everyone. It is their duty to minimize distractions while driving and be mindful of the surroundings to reduce the risk of an accident.