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Minnesota Crashes Caused by Drivers Using Air Pods or Earbuds In Minnesota, the law prohibits drivers from wearing headphones or earphones in both ears while driving, except for certain exceptions like hearing aids, firefighters and emergency medical personnel using communication headsets. This restriction underscores the risks associated with driving while using earbuds or Air Pods. A study by Ford Motor Company in 2021 highlighted these dangers. It involved 2,000 participants, divided into two groups: those who wore headphones and those who did not. The study utilized 8D spatial audio and virtual-reality simulations to test participants' ability to identify and respond to sound cues, like an approaching ambulance. Results showed that individuals wearing headphones were, on average, 4.2 seconds slower in recognizing and responding to these auditory cues compared to those who were not wearing headphones. The risks extend beyond just auditory distractions. Using headphones can also lead to manual distractions, such as adjusting devices to change songs, often requiring drivers to take their hands off the wheel or eyes off the road. In the event of a collision caused by a driver wearing headphones, establishing liability may not always require direct evidence of the distraction. Demonstrating negligence, such as drifting into another lane or rear-ending a stopped vehicle, can suffice.