Driver distraction is a huge problem for cyclists on any day of the year. Too many drivers are simply not paying enough attention to the road, and it poses a real threat to others — particularly vulnerable cyclists.
Often, distracted driving is so normalized that people don’t even realize they’re doing it. For example, a new study found a surprising link between driving with music and an increase in car crashes.
New album day can be a dangerous day on the road
The study carried out by a research team at Harvard Medical School discovered that there was a 15% uptick in vehicle accidents on the release dates of the 10 new albums the survey focused on compared with the days either side of them.
Their theory is that the new album release can increase distraction for drivers. If a notification for a new album pops up on a driver’s phone screen or digital radio, they may be tempted to read what it says. Remember, the companies that stream music, such as Spotify and iTunes, are very good at targeting people’s tastes. The driver might then have to press a button or touch a screen one or more times to be able to listen to the new music.
It’s also possible that there is an added distraction due to the new information they will take in when listening to the new music. They may pay close attention to the words and the music to hear what is being said or just to take it all in. By contrast, an album they have heard plenty of times before may just drift by them in the background without requiring much of their attention.
If a driver injures you while you are out on your bicycle, there’s a good chance that distraction may have been a factor. You may need legal guidance to explore how to hold them responsible for their negligent actions and seek the compensation you need.
