Police warn against ear buds & headsets while driving

CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) - If you're someone who utilizes hands-free technology while you drive, Massachusetts state police have a message for you.

They're launching a new public awareness campaign about the use of personal headphones or 'ear buds' while driving.
    
Hands-free technology allows drivers to keep both hands on the wheel, but using both pieces of a headset takes away a vital sense drivers need.

According to Stacy Dibbern of Springfield, “It seems like people want to be plugged in all the time. But it does seem like an obvious rule that you wouldn't have to tell somebody that they shouldn't have both ears engaged while they're driving.

Drivers who have both ears blocked risk missing the sounds of emergency sirens or signal horns from other drivers.