Ear buds are killing us!

Ear buds are killing us and I don't mean from the electro waves running through our brains.  They are killing us because we have become dumb and dumber when using them in public.  Here are some examples:

1. Cyclists who wear ear buds while riding on public roads with traffic.  A cyclist is vulnerable to vehicles.  A cyclist who can't hear what's going on around him in traffic increases the odds of a collision.  The vehicle may be damaged but the cyclist will come out worse.
2. Runners who wear earbuds.  These runners are slightly better able to evade traffic especially if they run facing traffic and stay on sidewalks.  Here's the added risk:  Runners are already 'in the zone' while running.  Listening to music adds to the noise and reduces their awareness of what's going on around them.
3. Drivers who wear headphones while driving.  This one is truly stupid.  Playing loud music in the vehicle is already a distraction but you can hear some outside noise.  Increasing the isolation with headphones on...mind blowing!
4. Subway commuters!  It seems everyone wears earbuds on the subway.  That was my observation last Friday.  It isolates you from the potentially dangerous situations that develop quickly.  Especially on the platform as the train approaches and inside the often packed train car.  Sorry, that tune or podcast can wait...I'd rather be safe. 

Distracted and isolated...that leads to slower reaction times.  Approximately 4 seconds slower if you believe this article:  Time to ditch the headphones.

Here's an idea:  The next time you see a cyclist/runner/driver/subway commuter wearing earbuds or headphones, yell at them to stop!  

Until next time...