Can I wear headphones or earbuds while driving?
Your car radio is broken, or your phone isn’t connecting to the Bluetooth. Can you use your headphones or earbuds instead?
While it isn’t specifically illegal to drive while wearing headphones or earbuds, it can still be risky.
RAA Senior Manager of Safety and Infrastructure Charles Mountain says motorists need to be able to hear what’s happening around them.
“Wearing headphones and earphones can reduce a motorist’s ability to hear emergency sirens, rail crossings or warning horns,” Charles says.
“Many have noise cancelling technology too, which can make them even more dangerous.”
Drivers can’t be fined specifically for wearing headphone and earbuds while driving but they can receive an expiation notice for related offences such as not having proper control of their vehicle or even dangerous driving.
Charles has some simple advice for motorists who use earbuds and headphones when at the wheel.
“Keep your focus on the road by using your car’s audio system or hands-free features instead,” he says. If you are use earbuds or headphones, then keep the volume low enough so you can still hear surrounding sounds – this is particularly important for pedestrians.
Pedestrians and cyclists
Like motorists, pedestrians and cyclists need to be aware of their surroundings while they’re on or near the road.
As mentioned earlier, headphones block out crucial sounds like approaching vehicles, sirens and calls from other road users.
This can impair reaction times and make you more vulnerable to accidents and injuries.
At the end of the day, it might be best to keep your headphones and earbuds for the gym.