There are two kinds of rules that every Pennsylvania driver needs to follow. Those are rules for what is going on outside of the car and rules for what is going on inside the car. Outside of the car, you have to be aware of speed limits, traffic lights, stop signs, and safe lane changes. Inside of the car, the big issue is with distractions. That begins with Paul Miller’s Law, which went into effect in 2024 and “prohibits as a primary offense any driver from using an interactive mobile device (IMD) while driving a motor vehicle.”
The distracted driving laws don’t stop with cell phones. There are also laws against making too much noise. Yes, loud music can play a role in a car accident, and that is why there are limits.
How Loud Music Triggers Distracted Driving
Cars were around thirty years old before the car makers decided to add radios for the drivers’ entertainment. Ever since, they’ve become standard. Whether you listen to music, talk radio, or audiobooks, having a stereo system is a very popular option for everyone going for a ride. Unfortunately, access to music can cause problems. It depends on how loud it gets and what you’re listening to.
Many studies have been conducted on this topic. One report published in the National Library of Medicine found that listening to loud rock music increases drivers’ speed. That might happen on a subconscious level, but it’s an indication that listening to loud music takes your mind off your driving.
Another study published in the Journal of Science and Medicine found that turning up the music slows down reaction time. It only takes a fraction of a second of distraction to miss a car that suddenly stops ahead or is coming up in your blind spot.
The Decibel Laws
Not every driver is aware of the decibel laws. These are the Pennsylvania state laws that pertain to how loud your muffler can be. If you’re driving less than 35mph, your muffler can’t be louder than 86 decibels. If you’ve ever heard loud mufflers rolling down your street, chances are they are breaking the law.
What about music? The average car stereo can be as loud as 90 to 130 decibels. At 80 decibels, you can begin to suffer from ear damage. In Pennsylvania, the police can pull you over and cite you if they can hear music coming from your car from 50 feet away. So, not only can loud music cause you to speed up and lose your focus, but it can also cost you in fines.
This doesn’t mean you have to drive in silence. You just want to be proactive about your music choices and how you listen to music. It is also advisable not to drive with headphones as that could block out approaching sirens or other warning sounds. It’s also a good habit to land on one station and avoid changing while in motion. The bottom line is to do everything you can to stay focused.
When Accidents Happen
Even though you’re following the hands-free and decibel laws, it doesn’t mean everyone else on the road is. If you get into an accident caused by another driver’s negligence, you’ll want to speak to the attorneys at Laffey Bucci D’Andrea Reich & Ryan. We have a lot of experience investing in all aspects of a car accident. That includes determining if distracted driving was a factor. If so, that can clearly shift the blame to the at-fault party.
Don’t hesitate to get help for your car accident claims.