Distracting Radio Sounds
I came across a letter written by one Christopher Loh in Sunday Star today, pertaining to “distracting” and “realistic” sounds coming from the radio while driving. And I thought it was just me.
Some community service messages are aimed at educating people about road safety and driving courteously. And in proving their points, realistic sounds of honks and screeching tyres are used.
Personally, I have been fooled by these sounds on a number of occasions myself, especially in situations which required extra care and attention - like switching lanes during a traffic jam.
I consider myself a competent driver, and I believe that these distractions are a potential hazard to road users. A lapse of concentration, no matter how little, during critical situations may result in an ugly accident.
Of course one may argue that road users are not the only radio listeners. But I believe that the majority of listeners usually tune in whenever they’re on the road. So I think more needs to be done in allowing such sounds to be used on the radio.
Well, that aside, I admit that sometimes I also read and type SMSes while driving, so I guess I’m not much of an exemplary driver anyway.
10 Jun 2007 narrowband
I normally listen to the radio only when I drive, so I would agree that all those sounds (esp. the honking) is so distracting especially if you’re not concentrating on what you’re listening.
I agree. It all sounds too real.
By the way, replying SMSes while driving seems a bit too dangerous. Answer phone calls using handsfree devices isn’t so bad yet. Haha.
Hey Vid,
I have to agree with the notion of banning all traffic noises (car crashes, honking, even police sirens) from radio-station sources. It’s absolutely distractive. If this is one way of getting listener’s attention, I would say this is one very “inconsiderate” way by these radio ad producers.
There are so many better ways to get creative, definitely not on the road users’ expenses.
I find some of the radio ads are so lame…so lame that I have to change radio channel. LOL
Rinnah - Ya lor. There was once I thought I heard a honk and I had to divert my attention away from the mirror (was attempting to change lanes at that time). Furthermore, the honk sounded like an angry/panic honk so it was even more distracting.
Day-dreamer - Ya I agree, that’s why I don’t do it often. And when I have to, I only type “k” or something like that.. to acknowledge an SMS or answer someone’s question. I normally wait til I come to a traffic light junction where my car would be stationary la.
Ok, ok.. no matter what I say, still, it’s a bad thing. So listen up dear readers… Narrowband.org does not condone reading or typing SMSes while driving! ;D
YC - Yess!! Sirens, too! Absolutely hazardous! I guess that since it’s all in audio, they probably ran out of ideas on what kind of sounds to use. I actually would rather listen to speech-only type of community messages (at most, with background music) than hearing those distracting road-noises.
Che-cheh - Problem is, some of these ads are aired on several radio stations so you’ll be hearing them anyway! (Maybe in different language, but same concept - those honks and tyre screeches can still be heard).
I like to stick to a radio station that is more ’serious’, compared to those stations where the announcers (in the old days they call it DJ) are playful and lame. Let’s not name any stations here… hehe…
some are ok.. but some really throw a curve ball and makes me stop or slow down the car just to see whether got anything happened.. sigh..
Haaa… you must have pumped up the volume! I’ve never been distracted before EXCEPT for this one ringing tone the last time. Sounded like mine, so I thought it was my phone :p
*also guilty of SMSing while on the wheel*
(but only when alone)
Cincau - That ‘curve ball’ is something new to me! :p Dem outdate, me..
Angel - I didn’t pump up the volume! Maybe you haven’t come across one that really sounds like the real thing?
Ahh yaa! Those with common handphone ringing/message tones too!
Eh SMSing while on the wheel is dangerous regardless if you’re alone or not :p Okla, since were both guilty of that - gotta make it a point to cut down (or better yet, don’t do it again)… hehe.
bro! SMS while driving? i know u are tall enuf to see wider angles and prepare earlier.. but still.. there goes my reputation of u being the role driverm, haha :)
you must be lie smsing while driving?? impossible, only if you are driving in car in a computer games
Jian, Changhh - As much as I want to be a good, safe and responsible driver, I cannot deny the fact that I indeed do type SMSes while on the wheel. What if I tell you I only do so when I know it’s completely safe, like during a standstill? But that’s also considered ‘driving’ right? Oh well… ;p. I’m always a careful driver on the road. I’m aware of the dangers so, yeah ;)