Driving while having earphones in your ears

[sue20]

I see more and more people driving around with earphones in which are, presumably, plugged into a handheld device. Surely it can't be a good idea?

That is all.

[Robb F]

What about deaf people?

[J4CKO]

I have seen this as well, you need your hearing to listen for stuff like emergency vehicles, same as having the stereo too loud, shouldn't surprise us after the photo of the Audi Q something or other covered apart from a tiny porthole in snow.

I wind the windows down if I can't hear properly, I think a lot just go round oblivious and blame accidents on bad luck or someone else.

[cheechm]

A lot of the time I see people using them as hands-free rather than listening to music.

[m444ttb]

You so see it more often now. Presumably as because more people have MP3 players as part of their phone and the benefit of hands free as someone above said.

[andy-xr]

sue20 said:

I see more and more people driving around with earphones in which are, presumably, plugged into a handheld device. Surely it can't be a good idea?

That is all.

Plugged into a device is probably more likely, whether it's handheld or put in a holder doesnt seem relevant if we're discussing earphones? If the law states you should use a handsfree while driving then seemingly it is a good idea?

[Caulkhead]

Robb F said:

What about deaf people?

Not much point them using earphones I would've thought. . . . . . . .

It's legal in the UK to drive or ride with earphones on though if you are involved in an incident you can be prosecuted if it was thought to contribute.

In many countries it's illegal - for example it's taken quite seriously in California where one is allowed, but both are prohibited. The deaf argument doesn't fly over there because people adapt to a permanent disability and compensate for it.

[Palms]

When on long journeys i drive with 1 in just incase i get a phonecall and no i dont use it to listen to music thats what my stereo is for

[sawman]

I have been know to use earphones in the car - it helpfully reduced wind buffeting when traveling at speed without roof or sidescreens, and actually improves my awareness of other noises (sirens etc)

This approach would probably not be relevant to a more typical car

[jmorgan]

I use them. No problem here, one of the biggest problems is I think is people do not use the mark I eyeball.

With all the road noise and other aural clutter in our vans, they would make no difference anyway.