Distracted drivers can easily miss unexpected road hazards, like a vehicle suddenly cutting them off. One of the many dangerous forms of distracted driving is wearing headphones or earbuds while the vehicle is in motion. Headphones impair a driver’s ability to hear ambient noise around them, decreasing their awareness of traffic.
Table of Contents
- What is Wisconsin’s Law on Wearing Headphones While Driving?
- What Are the Dangers of Using Headphones or Air Pods While Driving?
- Why Wearing Headphones May Make a Crash More Likely to Occur
- What if the Other Driver Caused the Crash While Wearing Headphones?
- Was the At-Fault Driver in Your Crash Wearing Headphones? Call Sigman Janssen
If you were injured in a car crash caused by a driver wearing headphones or one distracted by something else, Sigman Janssen is prepared to discuss your situation and help you understand your legal rights. If you have a case, our firm has the staff and resources to help you pursue full and fair compensation for your medical costs and other losses.
No upfront fees or costs. Call to discuss your case: (877) 888-5201.
What is Wisconsin’s Law on Wearing Headphones While Driving?
Wisconsin allows drivers to wear headphones or earbuds when operating a motor vehicle. That does not, however, mean it is safe to do so.
Wisconsin’s distracted driving laws address several behaviors that may take a driver’s attention from the road. If a driver causes a crash while wearing headphones, the law could consider that behavior a distraction that affected his or her ability to operate a vehicle safely.
If wearing headphones while driving leads to a crash, a driver could be held liable for the damages.
What Are the Dangers of Using Headphones or Air Pods While Driving?
Using headphones or AirPods while driving presents several potential risks and dangers, such as:
- Being unable to hear or be alerted of emergency vehicle sirens
- Not hearing drivers honk their car horns as a warning
- Missing train horns sounding off before they pass by
- Not hearing approaching motorcycles or other vehicles that may be in your blind spot
- Drowning out the sound of cyclists or pedestrians shouting out a warning to stop
Emergency vehicles, such as ambulances and fire trucks, rely on their loud sirens to alert nearby drivers they are approaching. Although these sirens may be very loud, a driver wearing headphones might not hear them. Since emergency vehicles also tend to be going faster than posted limits, those who do hear them may not have time to react to avoid a dangerous crash.
Car horns are loud enough to alert drivers and other road users up to a couple hundred feet away of an immediate danger. If you honk at a driver wearing headphones not to merge into your lane, he or she may not hear the horn and end up colliding with your vehicle.
Wearing headphones can make it harder to hear nearby vehicles. Say, for instance, that another driver slams on the brakes or loses control of his or her vehicle. If a nearby driver is wearing headphones, he or she may not hear the tires screeching or take steps to avoid a crash.
Why Wearing Headphones May Make a Crash More Likely to Occur
Wearing headphones while driving increases the likelihood of a crash for several reasons, including:
- Reduced Situational Awareness: Headphones reduce a driver’s ability to hear ambient or environmental noise around them. Hearing the sirens of an emergency vehicle right away, for example, gives you time to pull over or react appropriately.
- Cognitive Distraction: Listening to music or having phone conversations while wearing headphones takes a driver’s mental focus off the road. This kind of distraction slows your reaction time. If you are having a hands-free conversation on the phone, it is extremely easy to miss a red light or stop sign. This lack of focus can quickly lead to a collision with someone who has the right of way.
- Physical Distraction: Adjusting headphones or reaching for your phone to change a song can divert your eyes from the road. Sometimes, taking one second to look away is all it takes for a crash to occur. It only takes a second for a driver to veer out of his or her lane and sideswipe or accelerate into the rear end of another driver.
What if the Other Driver Caused the Crash While Wearing Headphones?
Wearing headphones while driving could be a reason to hold a driver liable for a collision. Wearing headphones could lead to a variety of negligent behaviors that directly result in a crash. Examples of these negligent behaviors could include:
- Following other cars too closely
- Reckless lane changes
- Failing to stay in a lane
- Running through a red light or stop sign
- Speeding
Was the At-Fault Driver in Your Crash Wearing Headphones? Call Sigman Janssen
If you have been injured in an accident and believe the other driver was distracted, you may be eligible to recover compensation for your resulting medical costs and other damages.
Our legal team is prepared to help you navigate the complex legal process from day one. If we represent you, we are prepared to work tirelessly on your behalf to secure you the best possible outcome.
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case and explore your legal options. We accept injury cases on contingency, which means we do not charge any fees up front. We only get paid if we recover compensation for you.
Contact our experienced law firm today at (877) 888-5201.