How hearing benefits road safety
Motorists who drive with headphones can be more at risk of not hearing noise that can help avoid an accident situation.
We are all well aware of the importance of clear vision for road safety, but might not be aware of how our hearing assists us on the road.
According to Arrive Alive’s website on hearing and road safety, the senses most involved are eyesight and hearing, which provide us with the information necessary to act adequately in a traffic situation.
Hearing is not something to consider only when thinking of a deaf driver. It also concerns children, the elderly, slightly impaired road users, as well as bikers, cyclists and pedestrians on the road.
Some motorists prefer to wear headphones and listen to music while driving, but this can pose a serious danger to the motorist and other road users.
How our hearing helps us to avoid accidents:
- Under noisy urban conditions, the sense of hearing provides an early warning signal of danger
- Hearing provides information on the sudden braking and hooting of nearby vehicles
- Hearing the sound of emergency sirens will alert a motorist to an accident scene or to move out of the way of an emergency vehicle
- Sound alerts a cyclist to a motor vehicle or a charging animal (also applicable to motorists)
- Hearing allows us to detect strange engine noises
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at northsider@caxton.co.za (remember to include your contact details) or phone us on 011 955 1130.
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