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Driving with Headphones: Risks and Safety Concerns

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27/02/2025

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“Beep beep…” The truck horn echoed loudly on Nguyen Van Linh Street, District 7, Ho Chi Minh City. Mr. Ba, a veteran truck driver for Thanh Cong Trucking, honked his horn and shook his head in exasperation. A motorbike had almost crashed into the front of his truck because the driver was engrossed in listening to music with headphones, oblivious to the warning horn. Headphones, seemingly harmless devices, can pose significant risks when used while driving, especially for “kings of the road” like Mr. Ba.

Main Content

Wearing Headphones While Driving: Should You or Shouldn’t You?

Wearing headphones while driving, whether it’s a truck, bus, or car, is a controversial topic. Some argue that listening to music or podcasts helps them relax and concentrate better while driving. However, in reality, wearing headphones while driving carries numerous risks, directly impacting your safety and the safety of other road users.

Potential Dangers of Wearing Headphones While Driving

Reduced Hearing Ability: The sound from headphones will drown out important warning sounds from the surrounding environment, such as car horns, engine noises, and shouts, especially in crowded areas like Nguyen Trai Street, Thanh Xuan District, Hanoi.
Distraction: Being engrossed in listening to music or answering phone calls through headphones can distract you and cause a loss of focus while driving, leading to slow reaction times in critical situations.
Legal Violation: In Vietnam, wearing headphones while driving a car, including trucks, is prohibited according to point C, clause 3, Article 5 of Decree 100/2019/ND-CP.

Expert Advice

Mr. Nguyen Van An, a traffic safety expert from the Institute of Strategy and Traffic Safety, stated: “Headphones can be a ‘hidden enemy’ of drivers. Just a moment of distraction and lack of focus due to wearing headphones can lead to regrettable consequences.” (Excerpt from the book “Traffic Safety – Your Safe Journey”).

Feng Shui and Trucks: Which Colors to Choose?

Feng Shui is also a factor that many truck drivers consider when choosing colors for their “beloved vehicles.” According to folk beliefs, red represents fire, which may be “conflicting” with people of the Water element. Meanwhile, white, gray, and silver belong to the Metal element, which is considered more suitable for people of the Water element, bringing luck and fortune. However, this is just folk belief; the most important thing is that you like the color and feel confident and comfortable when driving.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is wearing a single earphone while driving a truck punishable by a fine?

Yes, even if you only wear one earphone, you can still be fined according to the law.

2. Is using Bluetooth headphones allowed when driving a truck?

Using Bluetooth headphones while driving a truck is also prohibited, just like wired headphones.

3. What is the penalty for wearing headphones while driving a truck?

The penalty amount may vary depending on the specific circumstances.

4. How to drive long distances without feeling sleepy and tired?

You can refer to the article “Long-distance driving: Effective tips to combat drowsiness” [link to article] on the website xetaihanoi.edu.vn for more details.

Conclusion

Wearing headphones while driving poses many risks of accidents. Be a smart driver, obey traffic laws, for your own safety and the safety of the community.

Man wearing headphones while driving a truck

Traffic accident scene involving a truck