Drivers who listen to sport 'could reduce their reaction times'

Date: 5/7/2010

Motorists who listen to sport on the radio while behind the wheel could be compromising road safety, a new report has suggested.

According to the study from TRL (Transport Research Laboratory), reactions can be slowed by as much as 20 per cent, which could mean a car travelling at 70mph would need an extra six metres to stop.

The results revealed the risks are increased by those who listen to commentary of a team they support or have an emotional attachment to.

And the findings showed many Britons do not recognise listening to sport can be a distraction that is equivalent to arguing in the car.

Dr Nick Reed from TRL remarked: "At particularly tense times, such as [a] penalty shootout, it may be safer to find a safe place to park and enjoy the action without risking an accident."

Last month, Direct Line commissioned TRL to carry out an in-depth study into issues that can affect a driver's reaction time and it found arguing kids in a car can mean a motorist would need to increase their stopping time by four metres when travelling at 70mph.

Posted by Sarah Bailey