Wearing Headphones While Driving

"Sam" (samwellington)
08/18/2014 at 11:21 • Filed to: None

Why on Earth do people think it's a good idea? Do they not understand how a stereo works? I mean, it's pretty much like driving with earplugs in.

Also, this image came up while searching for headphones while driving. I don't know either.

DISCUSSION (25)

Mercedes Streeter > Sam
08/18/2014 at 11:24

I sometimes wear my headphones while driving...Because they're Bluetooth and connected to my phone, for perfect hands-free calling...

I find that connecting the phone to car stereos often results in awful echoes for the person you're talking to.

Sam > Mercedes Streeter
08/18/2014 at 11:27

I'm mostly talking about people using them for music. I've honked at people with headphones in and they don't even notice at all.

Cherry_man1 > Sam
08/18/2014 at 11:28

Because ferguson

Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2 > Sam
08/18/2014 at 11:29

I used to in one ear when I started driving my car. No radio got boring real fast. After awhile I figured it was a bad idea and I listen to music barely coming out of my phone positioned just right on the dash.

JerseyJoey > Sam
08/18/2014 at 11:30

I always thought it was illegal. I just noticed someone wearing Beats yesterday... looks so retarded.

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > Sam
08/18/2014 at 11:31

Because my mk3 jetta and 1991 AUdi's stereo systems were possessed and did things on their own. My VW liked to vomit a CD and then eat it, and then vomit it again while refusing to recognize the FM antenna unless it was a clear day. My audi's volume and seek buttons had the springs behind them worn out so every time the road was anything other han glass smooth, the radio would adjust volume and seek randomly. Putting in some earbuds helped alleviate the constant groans and creaks they made as well.

Sam > JerseyJoey
08/18/2014 at 11:32

It's illegal, but similar to texting and driving - they usually don't get caught until it's too late.

CalzoneGolem > Sam
08/18/2014 at 11:36

Wait ... I just realized what's happening in that picture.

That's even more confusing now.

Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom > CalzoneGolem
08/18/2014 at 11:38

Maybe she talks too much?

I dunno..

CalzoneGolem > Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom
08/18/2014 at 11:39

Well it's rude to talk with your mouth full.

Jcarr > Sam
08/18/2014 at 11:43

I totally agree, but then there's a part of my brain that wonders, "What about deaf people?"

Squid > Sam
08/18/2014 at 11:43

I've only worn headphones while on a long boring drive down I5 at night. I also drive a Miata with broken AC and not a fancy stereo so I thought that as long as I was hyper vigilant with looking in my mirrors I could use my headphones to block out the wind noise I would have been blocking out with ear plugs. Really though there is no reason to have them in while driving around town. It is like when I ride my bike I have one phone in my ear so I can still hear any traffic noise around me.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Sam
08/18/2014 at 11:44

this drives me batty

Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom > CalzoneGolem
08/18/2014 at 11:48

Indeed.

McMike > Sam
08/18/2014 at 12:06

Used to be easy to spot them. Headphones = listening to music.

However, with all the hand-free phone use states are endorsing, you can't really pull someone over for it anymore, since they'll say, "I was on the phone."

I use my headphones for talking on the phone if I have to.* I really don't like to though, and when I'm done, the headphones come right out.

I do use them on the motorcycle, though. I have turn-by-turn directions feeding into them if we're on a trip. No music, though.

Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To > Sam
08/18/2014 at 12:22

Car's speakers could be broken, or the headphones might have handsfree options. It's actually legal in Kansas and many other states.

benn454 > CalzoneGolem
08/18/2014 at 12:23

Headphones and road head. It's a two for one special of distracted driving! That's a lot of value.

CalzoneGolem > benn454
08/18/2014 at 12:27

I'll take 2!

Two Drink Minimum > Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2
08/18/2014 at 12:28

I don't see the issue at all with using a headphone in one ear. This is what I do when listening to books on tape off my phone, and it allows me to hear everything outside the car.

anonsagainstanonymous > Sam
08/18/2014 at 13:22

I've used plugs when I've had no stereo at all.

n54 & s38 > Sam
08/18/2014 at 13:27

Thank you. Always bugs the shit out of me. Seems unsafe too. Only exception is if you're on the phone.

STIKleinWagon > Sam
08/18/2014 at 13:30

Depends on the state: http://lifehacker.com/5902802/ever-w…

zeontestpilot > Sam
08/18/2014 at 14:19

Dude, you just don't get it! Listening to my jams, through my favorites buds, I feel so alive! Sirens, horns, and yelling people are just a distraction when I want to cruise downtown ignoring everyone and everything!

1.21 JIGGA WATTS!!! > McMike
08/18/2014 at 23:03

I hear what you're saying, but studies have shown that even hands-free calling is highly dangerous, even sometimes worse than being drunk.

http://www.businessinsider.com/talking-on-a-h…

I realize that you are aware of the risks and do what you can to mitigate them. I applaud you for that. I get scared when I see SUV's come up on me from behind and the driver is either on the phone or using the phone almost to the point of impairing their vision on the road.

Some states have even made talking on the phone illegal while driving (not sure if primary or secondary offense). If that's the case when you get pulled over, I doubt saying 'I was on the phone' would help your case very much at all.

I'd also be afraid of wearing headphones because like others have said, you can't hear other noises. That could be anything from horns, mechanical failure of your car, road noises, rain/snow/wind/weather, or plenty of other things.

Distracted driving is pretty intimidating when you almost get into an accident because of it. I'm as guilty of it as anyone. I just try to mitigate the risks to where they would only include myself if I were to cross traffic, hit an animal, or go off the road. That usually means that I'll only text on long stretches of highway when I'm not near anyone, and will call someone back if I get a phone call at a bad time

Stef Schrader > Sam
08/23/2014 at 00:49

This seems dangerous every time I see it. I want to punch people every time I see it. Do you want to be punched by Stef? No? Then don't wear headphones while driving, regardless of the reason. Just a bad idea.