Will You be Cited for Driving while Wearing Headphones?
There are a lot of rumors out there regarding what is legal while driving, and what is not legal. For example, a lot of people believe that it’s illegal to drive barefoot. But there are no laws in any state that specifically say that you must be wearing shoes while driving.
Likewise, many people believe that it’s illegal to drive while wearing headphones. The truth is, however, that it all depends on where you are driving. If you’re cruising the streets or highways in Texas, you can certainly wear headphones. But if you cross the border into Louisiana, you need to ditch them.
Let’s tune in to see what the Car Crash Captain has to say about headphones and driving.
Can I use my Cell Phone While Driving in Texas?
Every city has a different ordinance on whether or not you can talk on the phone while driving. Some areas will allow it, and others will expressly forbid it. For the most part, you can use a hands-free device to talk no matter where you are, but texting while driving is not legal anywhere in the state.
But just because it is legal, doesn’t mean it’s recommended. In fact, statistically speaking, no matter how good of a driver you are, your abilities are diminished any time you are using the phone; even when using one hands free.
Why Should I Reconsider Using Headphones While Driving?
Despite the fact that you can pop in your AirPods or throw on some Beats while you drive, it might not be a good idea. Sure, headphones help deliver the music right to your ear, and effectively let you listen without the distracting noises of the road. But some of those distracting noises will keep you alive.
There have been many instances where car crashes occurred because one driver couldn’t hear the other driver. In fact, there have been instances where drivers were hit by ambulances and other emergency vehicles, because they had their music turned up too loudly, and couldn’t hear the sirens.
If you have headphones in, it will be harder to hear what’s going on around you. Whether that’s an emergency vehicle approaching, the sound of tires squealing nearby, or anything else that might alert you to something about to go terribly wrong.
Can you drive while using headphones? You certainly can. Should you drive while using headphones? It’s not recommended.
What about Using a Bluetooth Device?
That begs the question, however, about Bluetooth devices that allow for communication. Not just those that receive the audio from your phone, but what about those that allow for hands-free communication?
The difference here is that these usually only occupy one ear. In other words, they’re not full headsets that completely block out all noises. In fact, they are sometimes preferred when listening to turn-by-turn directions from a GPS; you can hear the instructions more clearly.
If you get a phone call, a quick tap to the ear lets you answer the phone instead of picking up your device and fiddling around to find the accept button.
The Best Texas Car Crash Attorney
Even when you’re following the laws and driving safely, you can’t control the actions of other motorists out there.
If you have been injured in a car crash due to someone else’s negligence (in other words, you weren’t at fault), then you need a car crash attorney on your side to make sure the insurance company pays out a fair settlement.
That’s where Herbert Law Group helps. We know how to deal with crashes, we know what a fair settlement is, and we can help you reduce the financial stress that comes with the wreck. Call us at 214-414-3808, or fill out the contact form on our site, and we’ll get started with a free conversation.