What type of distractions do listening to music or podcasts while driving primarily create?

Listening to music or podcasts while driving primarily creates cognitive distractions. Cognitive distractions occur when a driver’s attention is diverted from the driving task to focus on the auditory stimuli. Engaging with the content of a podcast or the lyrics of a song can lead to a decrease in situational awareness and impair the ability to process information related to driving, such as changes in traffic conditions or the actions of other drivers.

This type of distraction affects a driver’s ability to concentrate on the road, as their mind is occupied with the thoughts and emotions elicited by the music or podcast. It can also lead to a failure to notice important visual cues in the driving environment, such as stop signs or pedestrians. Understanding this helps underscore the importance of maintaining focus on driving and minimizing any cognitive load during these activities.