Listening to music in the car is incredibly common, although there is a wide range of music that people listen to. Some prefer classical music or soft jazz. Others prefer rap, hip-hop or modern rock. Some just turn on the radio and see what they can find.
While it may seem like the driver can just pick whatever aligns with their musical preference, it is important to note that music can actually impact the person’s ability to drive. This happens on a few different levels.
The influence on reaction times
When looking at reaction times, the issue is often that the music is too loud. This can be distracting for the brain and prevents it from processing other information—such as visual cues—effectively. As such, a driver may find it more difficult to stop their car in time, leading to a rear-end accident.
General distraction
Additionally, music can just be generally distracting to a driver, especially if they have chosen songs or artists that they particularly like. Someone could get involved in a car accident, for example, because they are so busy singing along with a song that they love that they do not notice changing traffic conditions around them.
Driving faster
Another potential issue is that a driver may speed up, especially with fast and aggressive music. They may not even realize that this is happening until they are breaking the speed limit and driving recklessly. They’re subconsciously matching the energy of the song.
Seeking compensation
Have you been injured in an accident caused by a driver who was listening to music? If their negligence led to your injuries, you need to know how to seek financial compensation.
