Safety First: Music Volume and Seatbelt Awareness
As a Carrot Insurance Services customer, you know the value of safety to yourself and others. Music and driving are a perfect match. Did you know drivers listen to tunes 75% of the time they’re on the road. We know you’re already familiar with the essentials, right? Instead, here’s a quick and friendly reminder of two simple tips to help you stay safe on the road.
The Dangers of Loud Music While Driving
There have been studies which focus on the effects of listening to music while driving. Leading researcher and Professor of Music Psychology Warren Brodsky’s studies have found that:
- Young drivers listening to their favourite songs are more likely to:
- Speed
- Drive one-handed
- Ignore safe distances
- Since the advancement of stereo systems in the 2000s, cars have been the top spot for music listening. In fact, 75% of the time drivers spend behind the wheel, they listen to music
- Music can boost stimulation and reduce stress, but it also competes for your ability to think clearly, which can impair performance.
Top 3 Reasons to Keep the Volume Down
- Speeding: Fast, upbeat music can make you drive faster without realising it.
- Distraction: Singing along or adjusting the volume takes your attention off the road.
- Reduced Awareness: Loud music drowns out important sounds like sirens and horns.
Also, loud music can also be considered antisocial behaviour. In some areas of the UK, you could be fined up to £100 for playing your music too loud.
From Beats to Buckles: Why Seatbelts Are Important
First things first – not wearing a seatbelt can cost you more than just a fine. Drivers and passengers over the age of 14 may incur an on-the-spot fine of £100 in the UK, which could increase to £500 if prosecuted.
It’s not just about money; it can cost your life. A recent study found 1 in 3 of young adults that died in car accidents weren’t wearing a seatbelt. Every week, 4 young people are killed or seriously injured because they didn’t buckle up.
So, make it a habit. Not all heroes wear capes but they do all wear seatbelts! Your life and the lives of your loved ones could depend on it.
5 Key Music & Seatbelt Takeaways for Young Drivers
- Passenger Safety: Not wearing a seatbelt puts your passengers at risk too. In a crash, unbelted passengers can be thrown around the vehicle, causing serious injuries or even death to themselves and others.
- Delayed Reaction Times: Loud music can significantly impair your reaction time, making it harder to respond to sudden hazards on the road. This increases the likelihood of collisions, especially in gridlock or unexpected situations.
- Legal Responsibility: As a driver, you are legally responsible for ensuring that all passengers under the age of 14 wear seatbelts. Failing to do so can result in fines and legal consequences for you.
- Social Responsibility: Driving safely is not just about protecting yourself; it’s about ensuring the safety of your friends, family, and other road users.
- Lawful Penalties: Failing to wear a seatbelt can result in fines up to £500 if prosecuted. Additionally, playing loud music can be considered antisocial behaviour, leading to fines up to £100
And that’s it! Staying safe isn’t difficult. Just keep an eye on your volume and make sure everyone is strapped in before you drive.
Is this content useful? We’d love to hear your thoughts! For more Safe Driver content please check out our blogs “The Dangers of Speeding: Drive Safe, Stay Safe” and “Why Your Black Box is Your Best Driving Buddy.”