What are the effects of listening to loud music - especially with an extremely loud bass volume - in the car?

Listening to loud music in the car, especially with a heavy bass, can have significant effects on both drivers and pedestrians.

1. For drivers, loud music can significantly impair attention. This distraction can lead to slower reaction times and reduced awareness of surrounding traffic conditions, ultimately increasing the risk of accidents. German traffic regulations emphasize the need for drivers to maintain full attention while driving, which includes minimizing distractions from sound.

2. Regarding visually impaired individuals, loud music can indeed cause them to lose their orientation when near a vehicle. This happens because the sound can mask other important auditory cues they rely on to navigate their surroundings safely.

The third statement, suggesting that loud music helps blind people recognize the road, is incorrect. There is no evidence to support this claim; in fact, loud music can create confusion and hinder their ability to perceive important sounds, making it more dangerous.

Thus, recognizing the combination of the first two points is critical in understanding the implications of loud music in cars according to German traffic laws. It highlights the importance of creating a safe driving environment for all road users.