It is something that you probably do all the time: listening to music when you drive on Pennsylvania roads. It is so natural and normal that every vehicle comes from the factory with a stereo built in. As you drive, you may not even give a second thought to the radio. Sometimes, you may flip through the channels or change the song. You may lower or raise the volume. In general, though, you do not give the radio much thought. However, have you considered how the radio may impact a new driver?
According to the Association for Psychological Science, music can be a distraction for new drivers. When a teen first gets his or her license, the skills and abilities are raw and new. They do not have the ability to tune out what is happening in the car around them, which includes the radio. They split their attention between the road and everything else inside the car. This is problem.
Music provides the perfect situation for distracted driving. This goes beyond when they fiddle with the volume or change the station. It is just having the music play while they drive. It increases errors and mistakes. It leads to faster driving and aggression, according to studies.
Music is a highly underestimated distraction. Younger drivers need more experience before they listen to music when on the road. They need to learn to focus on what they are doing.
The good news is as a driver gains experience, music does not seem to be a distraction. So, if you are an older driver, you can listen without concern. This information is for education and is not legal advice.