Do you enjoy listening to music while you drive? I certainly do. As enjoyable as it may be, you should keep in mind that listening to music in the car may be a distraction. Parents beware; this is especially true for beginner drivers. Studies show that listening to music behind the wheels tends to distract beginner drivers more than advanced drivers.
Distracted drivers frequently cause car accidents. If a distracted driver crashes into you, it is important that you hire an attorney for your case. You may be entitled to compensation for your damages.
The Research on this Issue
Researchers of the Accident Analysis and Prevention took 85 beginner drivers and assigned them specific driving routes. On two of these routes, the beginner drivers were instructed to make a playlist of their favorite songs to listen to while they drove these routes. On the other routes, the beginner drivers were instructed to either not listen to music or to listen to instrumental music designed to encourage safer driving. A driver instructor would tag along on each ride and take notes on the driver’s performance.
The beginner drivers played their favorite songs at higher volumes than the instrumental, safe driving music. In addition, the beginner drivers, according to the instructors, had a higher number of driving errors when they listened to their own music. When listening to their own music, the beginner drivers would engage in dangerous conduct including, but not limited to, speeding, tailgating, road rage, and weaving. In 17 of these cars, the instructors, at some point, actually had to steer or brake the car to prevent accidents! In all, when the drivers were able to listen to their own music while driving, all of them committed at least three serious safety errors!
Related Distractions to blame
Research suggests that it may actually be the volume of music that plays a key role in distracting drivers. A study found that a driver’s reaction time decreased by up to 20 percent when listening to loud music. A Memorial University study found that it does not matter what type of music the driver was listening to. The Drivers’ reactions were consistently slower when they were playing music at high volumes.
Another study revealed that a key distraction occurs when the driver scrolled through his or her playlist looking for a song to play. The study found that when the driver had more than 580 songs in his or her playlist, they would, on average, spend up to two seconds, while driving, searching for a song to play. This is dangerous and could easily result in a car accident.
Negligence and Distracted Drivers in Illinois
If a vehicle crashes into you, or causes you to crash, you may be entitled to compensation. Yet, you must be able to at least show that that vehicle’s driver was negligent in causing the accident. A negligence claim requires you to prove specific elements. An experienced personal injury attorney will help you establish your negligence claim. Your attorney will also ensure the case is timely failed per Illinois’ statute of limitations rules.
Take Action
If you are injured from a car accident at the fault of a distracted driver, it is imperative that you hire an experienced personal injury attorney for your case. The Illinois personal injury lawyers at Levin & Perconti are here for you. Call us today at (312) 332-2872 or toll free (877) 374-1417 to schedule a FREE consultation.
