Yep that’s important. It almost feels like panic sometimes when I’m driving with loud music playing - and I get into heavy traffic.
The first thing I do is apply the brakes as needed - while I’m simultaneously cutting the volume on the stereo. I can’t stand noise when I need to be aware of my surroundings. Even the A/C or heater fan on high is too much.
I cannot believe it when I see someone wearing earbuds while driving...
I might be mistaken, but I was always under the understanding that it is illegal to have headphones or earphones on when operating a vehicle. At least that’s what I was told in Virginia.