The Dangers of Driving with Headphones in Texas

At Charles J. Argento, our Houston car accident attorney knows that in 2017 Texas

implemented a law stating drivers can only operate their cellphones while driving by engaging in hands-free functions. Simply put, it is against the law to talk, text, email, tweet, or post while operating a motor vehicle unless you are using a hands-free function.

Our Harris County personal injury lawyer also knows that paying attention while driving requires more than keeping your eyes on the road. Even when drivers are using hands-free functions, phone calls, music, and other communications all divert a driver’s focus away from driving, which can lead to significant crashes, injuries, and even fatalities.

To counter distractions, and make communication easier, some drivers have turned to wearing headphones. Unfortunately, while this approach may allow drivers to take and make phone calls easier, it may also do more harm than good. Here is why.

What are the Dangers of Driving with Headphones?

Technically, it is not illegal to drive with headphones in Texas. However, there are significant dangers associated with the practice.

They include:

• Decrease driver attentiveness due to being engrossed in conversation, podcasts, or music.
• Delay the speed of a driver’s response to external events.
• Diminishes the driver’s sense of spatial awareness.
• Inability to hear horns honking to alert drivers to a hazard, or emergency vehicle sirens.
• Limits a driver’s perception of danger.

An overwhelming 15% of all traffic accidents are caused by distracted driving, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. All drivers must do their part to avoid collisions by paying attention. This includes listening for potential dangers while they are behind the wheel.

Contact Our Houston Car Accident Attorney for Help Today

If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a vehicle collision caused by negligence in Texas, including another driver who was wearing headphones, contact our experienced auto accident attorney in Houston at Charles J. Argento today to schedule a free consultation by calling 713-225-5050 or by contacting us online.

Our law firm does not get paid until we obtain a settlement or verdict for your unique case.