DISTRACTED DRIVING

Wearing or Adjusting Headphones/Earbuds

1. What It Is

• Adjusting headphones or earbuds while driving is a form of manual and visual distraction.
• It may involve looking away from the road, using one hand, or fidgeting with cables or devices.

2. How It Affects Driving

1. Manual Distraction: One or both hands leave the steering wheel to adjust headphones or cords.
2. Visual Distraction: Eyes move away from the road to fix the device.
3. Cognitive Distraction: Mind focuses on audio devices instead of traffic conditions.

Even brief adjustments can delay reaction to sudden hazards.

3. Risks

• Slower reaction to traffic lights, pedestrians, or sudden stops.
• Increased chance of veering from your lane.
• Reduced awareness of important traffic sounds, like sirens or horns.
• Higher risk of collisions, especially in heavy traffic or high-speed areas.

4. Safe Practices

• Always adjust headphones/earbuds before driving.
• Use devices only after the vehicle is stationary.
• Consider hands-free or single-ear listening setups if audio is essential for navigation or communication.
• Avoid high volume levels that reduce your awareness of surrounding traffic.

5. Key Takeaway

• Audio device adjustments may seem minor, but they divert hands, eyes, and attention from driving.
• Safe drivers always prepare their audio equipment before starting the trip.

Remember: Hands on the wheel. Eyes on the road. Headphones set before moving.