The Dangers of Using Headsets While Driving

Comfortable driving is safe driving. This certainly implies that safety is the primary concern when driving. There are several things to pay attention to while driving, one of which is to avoid using a headset.

For most people, using a headset while driving is thought to reduce stress or boredom when stuck in traffic. In fact, the risks and dangers actually increase because the awareness that comes from hearing is diminished.

Dangers of Using Headsets While Driving

Pay attention to the dangers of using a headset while driving carefully.

1. Reduces Concentration

It is a common theory that one of the things needed while driving is concentration.

Driving is a multitasking activity. Driving requires full concentration and the ability to control all body parts, including hands and feet in operating vehicle components.

Covering your ears with a headset is the same as reducing the function of your ears, which is to hear. In fact, when driving on public roads, there are many things you need to hear.

If your ears are filled with other sounds, you will find it difficult to hear what is around the road, such as the honking of other vehicles. That honking could be a warning that you need to pay attention to.

Not only that, the sounds emitted by the headset can also lead you into a realm of imagination. As a result, your concentration becomes fragmented. Your focus on driving decreases.

2. Reduces Reflexes

When using a headset while driving, it is highly likely that your focus is more directed towards the sounds coming from the headset. Especially if you are listening to music that tends to raise your adrenaline. Or listening to sad music that makes you remember old memories with an ex. This causes you to become insensitive to the conditions around the road.

The worst impact that could occur is an accident. Usually, these accidents happen due to weak and slow reflexes when taking action, certainly because concentration is divided.

3. Could Get a Ticket

Did you know that driving while listening to music is prohibited? According to Law Number 22 of 2009, it contains a prohibition on listening to music while operating a motor vehicle.

Article 283 states, "Anyone who drives a Motor Vehicle on the Road in an unreasonable manner and engages in other activities or is influenced by a situation that causes a disturbance in concentration while driving on the road as referred to in Article 106 paragraph (1) shall be punished with imprisonment for a maximum of 3 (three) months or a fine of up to Rp750,000.00 (seven hundred fifty thousand rupiah)."

Meanwhile, Article 106 paragraph (1) states, "Anyone who drives a Motor Vehicle on the Road must drive their vehicle in a reasonable manner and with full concentration."

4. Risk of Tumors

Using a headset for long periods and regularly will increase the risk of developing tumors. Recent research conducted by scientists from Israel published in the American Journal of Epidemiology indicates that at least 402 people experienced tumors in moderate conditions, while 56 others fell into the category of malignant cancer.

Through the radiation from headsets that flows through gadget connections, there is a risk of developing tumors in the parotid gland (salivary gland) located in the mouth near the ear. The study mentioned that the electromagnetic fields emitted continuously will cause body cells to react excessively.