Wearing headphones while driving is dangerous, and even illegal in some places, as it slows down the driver’s reaction time. To convince drivers about it, Ford created an app and commissioned a study to know much does it affect the user’s response.
To some, wearing headphones is the best way to immerse in music–hearing each sound crisp and clear sans the unnecessary noise. It could be used to uplift people’s moods, or to relax. Also, some would prefer to use it to manage distractions and focus on tasks.
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RICE LAKE, WISCONSIN – FEBRUARY 20: Mark Barta drives a warmup lap in his race car prior to a day of auto racing on February 20, 2021 in Rice Lake, Wisconsin. The races were hosted by Rice Lake Ice Racing on a track laid out on the ice over Rice Lake in northern Wisconsin
But it does otherwise when it comes to being behind the wheel.
Doing just that while on the road will block key information requisite in identifying hazards along the way, Maria Chait, Professor of Auditory Cognitive Neuroscience, said in an interview by Ford.
Chait added that, unlike other senses, our ears can obtain information in 360 degrees. On the other hand, our eyes could only see at certain proximity of where we’re looking.
Instead of effectively achieving concentration, the use of headphones while driving could lead to more harm. Ford’s sound experiment proves just that.
The study is part of the “Share The Road” campaign of the American car company. Its objective is to “foster greater harmony and understanding between road users,” Automotive World reported.
Furthermore, the researchers wanted to highlight the dangers of wearing headphones on the road to convince drivers of refraining from doing it.
The Ford-commissioned Research
More than 2,000 people from Europe participated in the sound experience using 8D sound. It will seem that they are in the middle of a busy city environment. However, in reality, they are merely in front of a smartphone app.
The researchers tested two scenarios, one with audio, and the other, without audio. They will have to react accordingly to the road hazards ahead.
As a result, the research showed that listening to music on headphones, on average, takes more than 4 seconds slower to react to potential road hazards.
For drivers, that period is longer than you imagine if you put it in the context of crashing a car. If let’s say a pedestrian is about to be hit by a car, 4 seconds of delay to react and press the brake pedal will lead to a fatal accident.
The headphones are to be blamed for the demise of an innocent individual, merely trying to cross the street. It is what the research is trying to avoid in the first place.
After the study, around 30% more people said that they will never listen to headphones again while they’re on the road. Another 20% more participants were convinced that, indeed, headphones are harmful.
You May Check Your Reaction Time Too
“What’s great about this experience is that it’s accessible to almost anyone,” Emmanuel Lubrani, Head of Ford Brand Communications, said.
If you’re wondering how much will headphones affect your driving, you may click this link.
Read Also: If You’ve Ever Felt Sleepy While Driving, It May Be Your Car’s Fault
Other Dangers on the Road
Aside from headphones, smartphones are also notoriously a road accident magnet as it causes a whopping 100,600 accidents per year.
Self-driving cars, interestingly, are also a significant cause of car crashes. A study says that it is a source of more speeding, which eventually leads to accidents.
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Written by Teejay Boris
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