If you tell someone that using their phone while they drive is a distraction, they’re probably going to agree with you — even if they still do it from time to time. If you tell them that listening to the radio or a playlist is a distraction, though, they may disagree. Most people have music or something similar — audiobooks, podcasts, etc — on while they drive.
That’s not really a distraction, right? You might be surprised at the answer to that question.
Mental distractions include many things
The truth is that music actually is a distraction. Yes, you can still look at the road. You can hold the steering wheel. But having the music playing distracts you from the road.
Think of it this way: People often joke about turning down the radio so they can see. We’ve all done this, especially when trying to spot a house number or a street sign. It seems illogical since you can see the same either way, but it feels like it works.
The reason for this truism is that music is still a mental distraction. Your brain still has to process it. This takes mental power, even when you’re trying to focus on something else. Turning that music off may not allow you to actually see better, but it does allow you to focus more on what you’re seeing. In the same way, music can distract you while you drive, limiting your focus, and that can lead to car accidents.
When a distracted driver injures you
As you can see, distracted driving is complex and many people don’t really know about all of the distractions that they face. If you get injured in an accident that one of these drivers causes, you may be able to seek compensation. Remember: It costs nothing to speak to an attorney about your case.