The idea of distracted driving has continued to be an issue for several years across the nation. Each state has set its laws regarding what is considered distracted driving.
So is it illegal to wear headphones while driving in Wisconsin? The short answer is no. Wisconsin is one of the states that hasn’t yet enforced this law. Several other surrounding states have, however, and it is illegal. Does that mean it is safe to wear headphones?
No, it is not illegal to wear headphones or earbuds while driving in Wisconsin. Wisconsin allows drivers to wear headphones or earbuds when operating a motor vehicle, though drivers can still be charged with inattentive driving if headphones interfere with the safe operation of a vehicle. Read below to learn more about headphones and distracted driving.
What are Some Problems with Wearing Headphones While Driving?
For some, they use headphones to talk on the phone or listen to music while driving so that they can keep both hands on the wheel. Their hearts are in the right place, but this may make distractions more apparent and make them more dangerous on the roads.
Wearing headphones limits your ability to hear what is happening inside and outside your vehicle. What if an emergency vehicle is approaching and you don’t see it? You also can’t listen to it if you have headphones on, which can quickly turn the situation into a dangerous one for cars near you on the road, yourself, and the emergency personnel.
Other cars use their horns to indicate there are issues on the roadway. If you can’t hear them, you may have inadvertently put yourself and those around you in danger.
Headphones and earbuds almost wholly block your ear canal, unlike when you were listening to music or talking on a phone connected to your speakers.
What are Some Other Issues With Headphones While Driving?
Motorcycle accidents are prevalent across our nation and can have catastrophic consequences. If you are wearing headphones, your 100% attention isn’t always able to be where it should be, which is on the road and the vehicles around you.
You can’t hear an approaching motorcycle as well as you could if you weren’t wearing headphones, meaning you can change lanes before spotting them, cutting them off, or bumping into them. All of which can mean serious injury or death for those on motorcycles or bicycles.
So I Shouldn’t Use Headphones or Earbuds While Driving?
Have you heard that saying, “Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should”? Although it is still not illegal as of yet in the state of Wisconsin to wear headphones or earbuds while driving, it is not in your best interest to do so. Do your part to keep yourself and others on the roadway safe by not being distracted while driving. If you’ve been injured by someone driving distracted, our Wisconsin car accident lawyers can help.
Everyone deserves to get home safe at night, including you. Distracted driving affects not just other motorists but also cyclists and pedestrians. If you’ve been injured while cycling due to a distracted driver, our Wisconsin bicycle accident lawyers can help.
Contact our office at (608) 448-6242 to discuss any further specific questions you may have regarding distracted driving in Wisconsin.
