Don't Plan On Driving While Wearing Your New AirPods

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- With the buzz surrounding Apple's new AirPod wireless ear buds, it's worth reminding drivers that it's illegal in Pennsylvania to wear earphones while you're behind the wheel.

State law prohibits drivers from wearing earbuds while on the road, except if you need earpieces to help with hearing. You're also allowed to wear a device for talking on the phone, but it can only cover one ear at a time. Experts say it's a matter of being distracted. And Jana Tidwell with AAA Mid-Atlantic says motorists wearing earbuds can miss audio cues that other drivers may not.

"Whether it be a horn, railroad crossing warnings, other emergency vehicles out there on the road," Tidwell said, "and that puts motorists and all other road users out there at risk."

Some earbuds have noise-canceling features that may make your music sound better, but will further hamper your ability to hear what's going on around you.

Read more
f

We and our partners use cookies to understand how you use our site, improve your experience and serve you personalized content and advertising. Read about how we use cookies in our cookie policy and how you can control them by clicking Manage Settings. By continuing to use this site, you accept these cookies.