Why is it illegal to wear headphones while driving an automobile in most states?

Question

All states allow the deaf to obtain a license and drive all types of vehicles.

Answer 1

1. Obviously, not all laws make sense. Some are passed when people become irate over an issue.



2. Distractions are a major factor in most crashes. (Other major factors are speed, age, and intoxication). The issue is not the hearing element, it is the loud music being pumped into your ears.



3. Hearing sirens is not that big a deal. That is why the emergency vehicles have flashing lights as well. Especially nowadays when cars are so quiet inside and have bigger and bigger sound systems.

Answer 2

Personally, I think stereo earbuds should be illegal in public, whether driving, running or walking (mono/single ear is okay). As a cyclist, I come up behind runners all the time... "on your left" I shout... but there is not a waver or flinch or any reaction, because THEY CAN'T HEAR ME. Earbuds are one of the most selfish, anti-social and dangerous inventions ever. Have experienced the same problem with walkers, while skiing, and with drivers of automobiles who can't hear the bell of a bicycle, horn of another car, or even an ambulance siren. Also feel excessively loud stereos in cars should result in a ticket. I listen to music while I ride... using a small open air speaker. That way I can be responsive to communications around me, enjoy some music, and not put others at risk

Answer 3

I would think not allowing deaf people to drive would be discrimination. But as for wearing headphones it is a distraction and you can't hear ambulances coming up behind you, or the police. Deaf people are visually more alert then non-deaf because they only have that (their vision) to rely on. They say when a person is lacking a sense their others become stronger. Like Helen Keller. She was blind, but in the book it talks of how keen her hearing was. Just a thought.

Answer 4

It's to ensure that people who are capable of hearing a siren, can. You are right. People who are deaf can get driver licenses in all states. This is a concession to handicapped people, although it is also true that people whose hearing can be improved by using a hearing aid will be required to wear a hearing aid while driving. At least that's the law here in Florida. I suspect other states have similar laws.

Answer 5

While allowances are made for the handicapped, they are given with certain restrictions.

Wearing headphones would definitely present a decreased awareness. We take the seriousness of driving for granted. People die in automobile accidents. A mom of three was killed in Michigan while someone on his cell phone rammed her. Dead for nothin, a totally avoidable accident. Don't mean to be so grim but rules are for safety, not inconvenience.

Answer 6

Wearing headphones is a major distraction, and also can fuel your energy, resulting in an adrenaline rush, which could be dangerous while driving. Deaf people aren't distracted by music they like because they can't hear anything.

Answer 7

It's legal to wear a hat while driving too but even they understand the deaf didn't ask for it. You'll see/hear when the headphones make you deaf! There's a new thing called speakers we used to rock w. in the 70's and I can still hear them, d'oh!

Answer 8

I understand what your saying... you couldn't hear anything with how loud music can be bumped. But I used to use headphones all the time when my radio was busted and I driveing wasn't as good for sure. Plus one time I forgot to turn it off when I went to the gym... maybe I'm just stupid and its not the headphones at all

Answer 9

To listen for any sounds from emergency vehicles, trains, or traffic cops and other drivers if you are doing something wrong which may result in a accident like not pulling over to let someone pass or in a traffic stop. What are you listening to that you do not want to share with others?

Answer 10

I guess it's just different. You can't here anything when you have headphones on. I think you'd be more distracted listening to the music. If they are anything like me we'd all be singing along and bouncing around and not paying attention. Deaf people prolly have more attention spans when driving so they can be aware of what's going on around them. *shrug*

Answer 11

It's a good law, only its stupid to say you can't wear headphones, but we want you to wear headphones when talking on the cell phone.



What a bunch of idiots.

Answer 12

Can you say SIRENS? Deaf people aren't being distracted by loud music or the like...only those pesky pictures in their heads.

Answer 13

because u need 2 hear if there is an emergency signal such as a siren!!!

Answer 14

you can cover one ear, but not both because driving uses all the senses, including hearing - need to hear someone honk, need to hear the ambulance, need to hear the train horn...etc, etc...

Answer 15

Because you need to keep your ears, eyes open while you on the road driving... so you don't kill yourself or someone (just simple)

Good Luck

Answer 16

because you cant hear a train coming nor could you hear a horn blowing or any thing else

Answer 17

cause head phone music is very distracting when u drive. hearing impared can drive cause they can see the sirens

people listen to head phone don't pay attention to the road.

Answer 18

so you can hear the police pulling you over

Answer 19

because it can cause serious accadents