Three Ways Your Favorite Podcast May Be Putting You At Risk Of A New Haven Auto Accident

Over the last five years the number of people listening to podcasts has exploded. The on-demand nature of these podcasts has people flocking to them in their yard, in their home and even in the car. Taking your favorite show with you, at any time of the day is one of the best things that comes with podcasts. Did you know that there are some risks with bringing your favorite podcast along with you in the car? These risks are important to note, but they don’t mean you’re going to guarantee a New Haven auto accident is going to happen just because you’re listening to your favorite podcast.

Podcasts offer incredible content about things like sports, politics, entertainment and many other topics. Some people even relish in the “true crime” genre of podcasts. These topics can all be quite interesting and get your attention right from the jump, but they can also put you at risk of engaging in one of the “Big Three” distractions when behind the wheel of a car and that is cognitive distractions.

Cognitive distractions can be quite serious because it may seem to you like you’re not doing anything wrong. You’ve taken all of the precautions to avoid using your cell phone while driving, you’re well rested so you’re not driving while drowsy, you’re not eating or putting makeup on while you’re driving. You’re doing all of the things right, but a cognitive distraction can sneak up on you if you’re not careful and put you at significant risk of getting into an accident.

A podcast is text book cognitive distraction while driving. It is not something that overtly looks like a distraction, but there are some real reasons to think that your favorite podcast may be putting you at risk of getting into an accident. Here are some reasons why and what to do to avoid them;

1.) Engaging in thoughtful debate – with the podcast host or guest. Similarly to what it might look like if you were having an elevated discussion with a colleague or a friend on the phone, you may engage in some back and forth dialogue with the podcast host or guest (however one sided it might be) if you are feeling like you have disagreements or, in some cases, passionate agreements. This can be one of the best things about a podcast, but when it is happening while you’re behind the wheel of your car it can put you in a state where you are not paying attention to the road and you lose yourself in your thoughts.

2.) Getting utterly engrossed in a story. Good podcasts tell great stories that keep you hooked while listening. This is another great part of podcasts that aren’t great for when you are driving. If you are driving along you may find yourself getting lost in the story of a podcast host that will take your mind away from the road in front of you. This type of storytelling is great when you want to be whisked away to a far off place and be distracted from what you are doing, but that should most certainly not be the case when you are driving.

3.) Getting angry. If you’re listening to a podcast there may be times where you vehemently disagree with a guest who is being interviewed and your anger starts to boil over. This can be incredibly distracted to you as a driver. This type of high intensity anger may be what you are looking for to experience in a podcast but this is one of the most dangerous and intense types of cognitive distractions you can experience and it should be avoided at all costs while you’re driving.

Listening to podcasts while you’re driving can be incredible. Some of the best podcasts available are great listens and will cause you very little distraction when you’re behind the wheel of your car. If you are listening to a podcast though and you are finding yourself drifting off into the topic that they are covering or getting elevated by the discussion you will want to make sure you turn it off and return to it at a later time when less is at stake. You would hate to get into a New Haven auto accident over the thoughts or stories of a podcast.

If you do get into an accident, regardless of whether or not it is related to a podcast episode you may need to speak with an experienced attorney. Contact our office and one of our attorneys will reach out to discuss your situation and work with you to protect your long-term interests.