Loud music from another driver’s car is not just an annoyance, it is a hazard. Loud noise can be incredibly distracting, making it harder to hear what is going on outside the vehicle and taking drivers’ concentration off the road.
In this blog, our experienced lawyers discuss the risks of cranking up the volume on the car stereo while driving. This includes research about the higher risk of an accident, Windsor laws on loud music and what victims of loud music crashes should do next.
At Greg Monforton and Partners, we understand the consequences of distracted driving, and our experienced team is committed to helping victims of such negligence. We have secured millions for those injured in vehicle crashes in Windsor and throughout the province.
Zero upfront costs or obligations. Call for legal assistance: (866) 320-4770.
The Risks of Loud Music While You Are Behind the Wheel
Turning up the stereo to enjoy your favorite music has various effects. The bottom line is that loud music is not going to help you be a safer driver. Research has shown distractions can raise the risk of dangerous collisions, like:
- Side-impact collisions
- Head-on accidents
- Rear-end crashes
- High-speed collisions
These are some of the most important consequences of operating a car while listening to music at higher volumes:
- Impaired concentration: Loud music can divert attention from the road. You may think this is no big deal because you are still looking ahead at the road. However, singing along to loud music can cause you to stop concentrating on what is happening around you. Even if you see it, you might take longer to react because your concentration is on other things.
- Delayed reaction time: Loud noise, including music from your car stereo, can slow your response to sudden changes in traffic. According to a study by researchers in Canada, it took as much as 20 percent longer for drivers to complete tasks while listening to loud music. This delayed reaction time can make it much harder slow down or change lanes to avoid a collision. Another study from Memorial University of Newfoundland revealed the type of music did not matter, just that it was loud. The effects of loud music are especially dangerous for teenagers, as a study from Accident Analysis and Prevention found teenagers are at higher risk for a crash when listening to loud music.
- Overlooked auditory cues: Essential sounds like emergency vehicle sirens or honking horns can be missed. You might not realize you are heading into danger because you cannot hear things that would cause you to be more cautious. You might also not hear a pedestrian telling you to slow down or the whistle from an oncoming train.
- Emotional influence: Certain music genres can encourage aggressive driving behaviors, such as heavy metal or anything with an unusually fast tempo. According to a study from Ben-Gurion University, drivers who listened to songs at 120 beats per minutes had a higher likelihood of reckless driving.
Is It Illegal to Play Loud Music in Your Car in Windsor, Ontario?
In Windsor, the law limits car stereo volume to help prevent distractions and maintain public safety. Drivers must ensure music from their stereo or another electronic device in their vehicle is not audible from more than eight metres away from their vehicles.
What Should I Do After a Crash Caused by Loud Music?
If you were injured in a crash and you think loud music helped cause it, the other driver may be at fault. This means you may be able to take legal action to seek compensation for damages caused by the collision. This includes the cost of hospital stays, surgeries, appointments with doctors, prescription medicines, testing and more. You may also be eligible for compensation for lost wages, among other types of damages.
There are steps you can take to help protect your legal rights in the aftermath of this type of collision:
- Document the incident: This means calling the police to report the collision. If you are physically able and it is safe to do so, you can gather evidence. For instance, you can take pictures of the scene, including the damaged vehicles. You can exchange information with the other driver and ask for contact information for witnesses. However, you should not risk aggravating your injuries. If the scene is unsafe, it is often best to stay in your vehicle.
- Seek legal consultation: Discuss your case with an experienced Windsor car crash lawyer. The lawyers at Greg Monforton and Partners can manage every step of the legal process at no upfront cost. This means we can deal with the insurance company, protecting your interests and pursuing favorable compensation.
Avoiding Drivers with Loud Music
Keep a safe distance from cars with blaring music. This precaution can protect you from a potential crash. If you cannot keep your distance, be mindful of the driver’s actions. He or she may be distracted, and you cannot count on him or her to drive safely. You should be defensive and keep your focus and concentration on the road.
Contact Us to Discuss Your Windsor Car Crash Claim
If you have been involved in an accident with a distracted driver, Greg Monforton and Partners are here to assist. With a compassionate approach and a no upfront cost policy, we are dedicated to securing the compensation you deserve.
Contact us to set up a personalized legal consultation. We have been advocating for victims of vehicle accidents for decades, with a history of proven results.
You can call us at (866) 320-4770 or complete our Free Case Review form.