Legal to drive with headphones?

Factual Questions
21

[QUOTE=CurtC]
On the other hand, I use the open-ear kind of headphones, like this:

I tested, and with these in but the volume turned off, I still hear outside noises just the same. I can’t see how this is any different from listening to the radio.

[/QUOTE]

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.

22

[QUOTE=Belrix]
FWIW: My deaf former girlfriend had a license restriction that required her to have side mirrors on her car. This was in LA (Lower Alabama).

Driving with headphones is illegal in Colorado. I remember that from my recent debacle concerning reinstating my license.
[/QUOTE]

Side mirrors required, huh?
Probably not a problem unless she drives stripped work-truck package pickups or a '59 Desoto.

23

[QUOTE=CurtC]
On the other hand, I use the open-ear kind of headphones, like this:

I tested, and with these in but the volume turned off, I still hear outside noises just the same.
So unless a police officer tells me not to, I’ll just keep right on, thank you very much…
[/QUOTE]

: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?

24

[QUOTE=Rick]
: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?
[/QUOTE]
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.

25

In high school we did this simple experiment:

  1. 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.
  2. Turn music on, repeat task. Peripheral vision is noticably reduced.

I’m pretty sure this doesn’t happen to deaf people. :slight_smile:

26

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.