Hernando County Injury Lawyer :: New Study Suggests Music Does Not Affect Driving Performance

September 6, 2013

New Dutch research suggests listening to music does not hinder driving performance, but in fact may boost driver’s focus in certain conditions.

The study, performed by a Dutch environmental and traffic psychologist at the University of Groningen found that music:

• Does not distract drivers as much as talking on a cell phone.
• Might improve concentration in certain situations.
• Does not seem to slow down the reaction time of drivers.
• Might prevent drivers from becoming bored or tired by keeping their energy up.

Researchers discovered through this study that unlike conversing on a cell phone or talking to a passenger, music can simply fade into the background when a driver needs to seriously focus on driving safely.

In the United States, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has yet to study the effects of listening to music while driving. There are obviously limitations to the Dutch study. However, what this research does reveal is that all distractions that can inhibit driving performance may not be equally risky. In fact, certain distractions may be more dangerous than others.

Distracted driving is a very serious public health issue. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, every day across the U.S. more than nine people are killed in auto accidents involving a distracted driver and another 1,000 are injured.

Distracted driving is a top cause of auto accidents in Hernando County, especially because so many people get behind the wheel of their car and talk or text on their cell phones. Numerous studies have clearly demonstrated that using the phone in the car, getting involved in conversations with passengers, eating, grooming and even having a pet in the car with you are all dicey driving behaviors that can place you at an increased risk for becoming involved in an auto accident.

If a distracted driver caused your accident in Spring Hill or Brooksville, the Hernando County Auto Accident Injury Lawyers at Whittel & Melton can provide you with the aggressive legal representation you need to recover financial compensation for your suffering. In all personal injury cases, thorough investigation is the key to a successful outcome. We will fully examine the cause of your accident in order to prove that the driver that caused your accident was distracted.

If you were injured by a distracted driver or have lost a loved one in an accident caused by a distracted driver, contact a Hernando County Auto Accident Attorney at Whittel & Melton today online or dial 352-666-2121 for a free consultation. We can help you pursue the compensation you need to fully recover from your losses, such as medical expenses, lost wages and damages for your pain and suffering. We handle all personal injury cases on contingency. If you do not recover financial compensation, you will not pay any attorney fees.