13 Oct Is It Safe to Listen to Audiobooks While Driving?
We’ve all been there—you’re sitting in heavy traffic, wishing your commute wasn’t quite so long, and you’re looking for a way to pass the time. While it’s obviously not safe to check your phone while driving, you may have tried passing the time by listening to the radio, podcasts, or even audiobooks on a hands-free device. While audiobooks are a great way to become more well-read on the go, they may not be ideal for long car rides. Is it safe to listen to an engrossing audiobook while you’re driving on your daily commute? Let’s explore whether audiobooks are a good choice for drivers.
The Consequences of Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is one of the most common causes of auto accidents across the country. Thousands of accidents occur each year, with distracted drivers leading the pack in terms of causation. Distracted driving can refer to any driving performed while distracted. Common distractions include smartphones, GPS devices, fellow passengers, and even eating or drinking. When your mind isn’t fully on the road, it makes it harder to react quickly in an emergency—meaning if you’re not paying attention, you may not swerve out of the way of a reckless driver quickly enough to avoid an accident.
Are Audiobooks Distracting Drivers?
One could argue that listening to an audiobook while driving is no different than listening to the radio. However, audiobooks may require a greater level of focus in order to understand what’s happening in the story, while music is often easier to tune out. That doesn’t mean that audiobooks are automatically distracting and unsafe, as some research has shown.
Various studies have been conducted on this subject, with researchers discovering that many drivers were not impaired on the road by listening to an audiobook. However, this only went for drivers on ‘boring’ courses. Drivers who were asked to traverse more treacherous terrain had a harder time reacting quickly while listening to an audiobook, but the jury is far from out. Many of these studies have shown varied results, leaving you to wonder whether it really is safe to catch up on your favorite story behind the wheel.
The Bottom Line
At the end of the day, it can’t be said for certain whether audiobooks are actually distracting to drivers. It can depend on the person driving, as well as the road conditions. If it’s pouring rain and the drivers around you are behaving erratically, it might be best to put the audiobook on pause. On the other hand, an empty highway and clear skies could be the perfect time to enjoy another chapter. Use your judgment and only listen to an audiobook if it will not be too distracting while you’re driving. Safety comes first.
Contact National Auto Collision Centers Today
If you’ve been in an accident as the result of a distracted driver, you can rely on National Auto Collision Centers for high-quality, reliable auto body repair services. Contact our Grant Rd. location at (520) 623-4959 today to schedule your service appointment.