Michigan Drivers Wearing Headphones Is Dangerous, But Is It Illegal?

I was driving my car the other day when I saw the flashing lights and heard the loud sound of a Grand Rapids Fire Truck horn coming up behind me fast.

As I pulled over to make way for the emergency vehicle, a car in the lane next to me didn't stop and kept driving. The fire truck had to pass them in the right lane and almost clipped the car's bumper.

When I got to the stoplight I looked over to see what the deal was with this dumb dumb.

via GIPHY

Turns out they didn't get out of the way for the Firetruck because they were wearing a pair headphones and probably didn't hear it.

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I know you're supposed to pull over for an emergency vehicle, but were they breaking the law for wearing headphones while driving?

Michigan Drivers Wearing Headphones Is Dangerous, But Is It Illegal?

According to VanDerGinst Law, it is legal in a majority of states across America to wear headphones while driving.

These Are States Where Wearing Headphones Is Legal

• Alabama
• Arkansas
• Connecticut
• Deleware
• Washington D.C
• Hawaii
• Idaho
• Indiana
• Kansas
• Kentucky
• Maine
• Michigan
• Mississippi
• Missouri
• Montana
• Nebraska
• Nevada
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey
• New Mexico
• North Carolina
• North Dakota
• Oklahoma
• South Carolina
• South Dakota
• Tennesee
• Texas
• Utah
• Vermont
• West Virginia
• Wisconsin
• Wyoming

These Are States Where Wearing Headphones Is Illegal

• Alaska
• California
• Colorado
• Florida
• Georgia
• Louisiana
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Minnesota
• New York
• Ohio
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• Virginia
• Washington

Why It's Dangerous To Drive With Headphones On?

While it's not illegal to drive with headphones in Michigan it is dangerous for several reasons.

Reduced situational awareness: Headphones can block out important sounds from the environment, such as horns, sirens, and other vehicles. This can make it difficult for drivers to react to potential hazards on the road.

Distraction: Listening to music or other audio through headphones can distract drivers from the task of driving. This can lead to slower reaction times, impaired decision-making, and an increased risk of accidents.

Impaired hearing: Wearing headphones can make it more difficult for drivers to hear important sounds, such as the sound of their own engine or the voices of pedestrians. This can increase the risk of accidents, especially in busy or noisy environments.

While it may not be against the law to drive with headphones on in Michigan, I believe for everyone's safety It should be.