Wearing Headphones can cause Distracted Driving in Wisconsin

Distracted driving in Wisconsin is an ongoing challenge. As technology has expanded to infiltrate our vehicles, the car accident attorneys at Eisenberg Law Offices are noticing ever-increasing numbers of distracted driving cases. While most people understand that talking on the phone or texting and driving is a distraction that causes car accidents, another very common but less well-understood distraction is the use of headphones or earbuds while driving.

Although Wisconsin does not prohibit the use of headphones or earbuds while driving, that doesn’t mean they aren’t a distraction.

Not Being Able To Hear Causes Car Accidents

Sometimes, drivers use these devices to listen to music or talk on the phone while driving since this allows drivers to keep both hands on the wheel and their eyes on the road. However, anything that prevents a driver from devoting 100% of their attention to the roadway could be considered distracted driving in Wisconsin, earbuds and headphones included. As a general rule of thumb, drivers should always make sure they can hear what is going on around them – inside and outside the vehicle. Headphones and earbuds can make it harder for drivers to hear approaching sirens, motorcycles, or other vehicles because they fully block the ears, unlike music played through car speakers.

Our best advice is to refrain from using headphones or earbuds while driving, but if you must, keep the volume low enough that you can hear what is going on outside the car. You might even try to use the device in just one ear, keeping your other ear “on the road”. The same recommendation applies to pedestrians and bicyclists – you always want to be able to hear what is going on around you when you’re out and about, but especially when you are near a roadway.

Distracted Driving And Eisenberg Law Offices

Having the ability to hear your surroundings can prevent serious car accidents whether you are on foot, on a bike, or in the car. If you have been involved in an accident involving a distracted driver, as a victim or as the driver, contact Eisenberg Law Offices in Madison for advice and representation.

Call 608-256-8356 or email Info@EisenbergLaw.org to schedule a free consultation.