In California, it is illegal to drive a car with both ears covered. Apparently, this is NOT common knowledge, or even common sense. I see people tooling down the highway with earbuds in both ears, completely oblivious to anything around them, several times every day.
When I stop them for it, or if I pull along-side to let them know they can only have it in one ear, the most common response I get is a look of utter confusion.
"But it comes with both ears. And it's made for a phone, see?" as they hold up the microphone.
I wouldn't think I would have to explain to a seemingly intelligent adult that the earbuds can be used OUTSIDE the car for listening to music, at which time it would make sense to have both sides, but when you're driving you have to let one hang.
I guess it's just too big a stretch of the imagination for the general flock.
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6 comments:
Actually, most earbuds are pretty good about letting outside noises through unless the volume is jacked way up. They don't at all work like some headphones that make you completely deaf to everything except the music. Personally, I find ear buds far more comfortable for this exact reason. Either way, if it takes someone a mile+ to notice you behind them with lights and siren on, then they don't have much in the way of excuses.
In my case, what I usually do is put my iPhone on loud and then put it inside the center console cupholder, and that amplifies the sound quite a bit. No need for earbuds, and you still get decent volume if your car's stereo doesn't have an aux input.
I first was intro'd to that law (in Ohio) in 1972 when I had modded my beat-up '64 Beetle with a headphone jack because neither speaker worked. Got warned and lived to blog about it 41 years later...
really, whats worse, driving with Bluetooth enable Headphones to be able to answer a phone call while having both hands free, or fumbling with a cellphone while driving in traffic ? It's Catch-22. I've Always been able to hear Emergency Vehicle Sirens and hear car horns, etc; while wearing my headphones, and proof is available from all the Cops that stopped me for this minor Bullshit.
common sense is no longer common
Rory, I'm sure you can still answer your phone with a Bluetooth in ONE ear.
I didn't know that. I have used ear buds to make phone calls hands free, and that's the only way other than having the phone on your lap on speaker, which sucks.
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