Sports radio listening can slow driving reactions up to 20%

7/02, "Listening to sport radio is as risky as drink driving," UK Telegraph, L. Roberts

• Risk increases if drivers have emotional attachment to a team or outcome. The study was based on a group aged 25-45, half male and half female.

"Reactions can be slowed by up to 20 per cent scientists at the Transport Research Laboratory (TRL) found - adding a six metre stopping time if a car is travelling at 70mph.

The report said: "To put this into context, this increase in distance travelled is 10 per cent further than the additional stopping distance when driving with a blood alcohol level at the UK legal limit (80mg/ml).

• The number of incidents of hard breaking at the last minute almost doubled when
• motorists were listening to sports commentary.

The report added: "This suggests that the motorists were not paying enough attention to the road and had to make late decision to respond to the conditions and drivers on the road around them."...

TRLs Dr Nick Reed said: "At particularly tense times, such as penalty shootout, it may be safer to

• find a safe place to park and enjoy the action without risking an accident."

The study followed the reactions of 18 participants aged 25-45 (nine of whom were male and nine female)." via RadioInk, photo Alamy

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