Well in general headphones block out outside noises a lot more than your radio ever thought about doing… Since your radio’s speakers aren’t covering your ears.
Side mirrors required, huh?
Probably not a problem unless she drives stripped work-truck package pickups or a '59 Desoto.
:rolleyes: :dubious:
Maybe it’s just me, but I am guessing that you don’t have the volume turned all the off when you are listening to podcasts. This would render the results from your “test” pretty worthless don’t you think?
The test was to see if the headphones blocked outside sounds. They don’t appear to. The fact that they add sound of their own isn’t a factor in how they block outside sound, since the radio does the same thing.
Of course, convincing yourself isn’t really much use if the law says otherwise.
In high school we did this simple experiment:
- Put headphone on, without music playing. Take your hands and, while looking forward, move them apart until they disappear from view. This is your range of peripheral vision.
- Turn music on, repeat task. Peripheral vision is noticably reduced.
I’m pretty sure this doesn’t happen to deaf people. 
Way back in the '80s, in New York State, I was pulled over for wearing my Walkman phones. I didn’t get a ticket though.