Loud Music and Distracted Driving
Although most people associate distracted driving with texting or talking on the phone, there are actually a variety of activities that fall under this category. Listening to loud music, for example, can seriously hamper reaction time and can even cause serious crashes. In fact, studies reveal that those who listen to loud music when they drive take up to 20 percent longer to perform mental and physical tasks. This delayed reaction time can have devastating consequences when it results in a collision between two vehicles or a vehicle and a pedestrian or cyclist. If you were recently involved in an accident caused by a distracted driver, it is critical to speak with an experienced car accident attorney who can help you seek compensation for your losses.
Research Results
A number of studies conducted by respected research institutions have confirmed that listening to loud music is a form of distracted driving and may be the primary cause of many accidents. The RAC Foundation, for example, found that drivers who were listening to music were twice as likely to miss a red light than drivers who were not. A Canadian research organization also conducted a study in which it asked volunteers to carry out a variety of tasks while listening to varying levels of noise ranging from 53 to 95 decibels. The foundation’s published results revealed that the reaction times of the subjects decreased significantly as the noise increased.
While researchers generally agree that certain types of music are not necessarily more dangerous to listen to while driving than others, studies have revealed that the speed of a song’s beat does have a significant role in the level of distraction it can causes. Generally, up-tempo music with a pounding beat is more likely to distract a driver. However, this does not mean that classical music is safer to listen to than rock music. In fact, the RAC Foundation’s study revealed that because of its tempo, meter, and total composition, Richard Wagner’s 19th-century romantic piece, “The Ride of the Valkyries” topped the list of the most dangerous songs to listen to while driving. This is because music above 60 beats per minute can cause listeners hearts’ to beat faster and can cause elevated blood pressure. Different types of music aside, these changes can, in turn, make people drive faster without even noticing and significantly reduce reaction times.
Consequences of Distracted Driving
Because of their delayed reactions, distracted drivers are some of the most dangerous on the road, as accidents caused by distracted driving tend to occur at high speeds and so result in maximum damage. For this reason, injuries sustained in these types of accidents tend to be particularly devastating and in some tragic cases, can even be deadly.
Reach Out to a Las Vegas Nevada Loud Music Driving Attorney
If you have been injured by a driver who was impaired by loud music, make sure to contact an attorney. A legal professional will be prepared to examine the specifics of your case and help you pursue the compensation that you deserve.