"Unawareness Prevails": Risks faced by pedestrians and cyclists are a daily occurrence
In the bustling city of Munich, a tragic accident occurred near the city centre in early May 2025. A 23-year-old man, engrossed in his music, was hit and killed by an S-Bahn train while wearing headphones[1]. This incident serves as a grim reminder of the risks associated with using headphones or listening to music while navigating traffic.
Research conducted by Dekra, an accident research institute, suggests that the young man might have overlooked the approaching train due to his headphones[2]. Loud music drowns out ambient noises, making it impossible to hear honking cars, ringing trams, or even sirens in traffic[3]. This is problematic as hearing is one of the most important senses in traffic, and blunting one of these senses increases the risk of accidents[4].
Headphones with noise-canceling technology are particularly dangerous. They block out disturbing noises using anti-noise, which can lead to missing critical warning sounds in the environment[5]. In a test by the Institute for Work and Health of the German Social Accident Insurance, participants listening to music reacted 50 percent slower to sirens or honking[6].
To mitigate these risks, Dekra recommends avoiding using headphones or earbuds with noise-canceling features when navigating traffic. Instead, opt for headphones that include a "transparency mode" or environment-aware settings that allow ambient sounds to be heard while listening to audio[2]. Keeping volume at moderate levels also helps maintain better situational awareness.
It's worth noting that in some countries, wearing headphones while cycling is banned due to safety concerns[1]. Consider using open-ear or one-ear designs that do not cover both ears fully, allowing better hearing of ambient sounds.
While the increasing use of bicycles and the rise of electric cars contribute to traffic becoming quieter in cities, this improvement in quality of life comes with its own set of risks. The quieter traffic can make it difficult for pedestrians to perceive other road users acoustically, especially in traffic-calmed areas[7].
In conclusion, to stay safe in traffic while moving on foot or cycling, it is advisable to keep your ears as open as possible by either not using headphones or using devices with features like transparency mode. Noise-canceling headphones, although beneficial for sound quality in many contexts, are particularly hazardous in traffic environments. Always prioritise safety over convenience and enjoy the sights, sounds, and sensations of the city.
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- The unfortunate incident near Munich's city center underscores the importance of paying attention to traffic without distractions such as noise-canceling headphones, which can drown out essential safety sounds.
- To ensure safety while navigating traffic, one should avoid using noise-canceling headphones and opt for devices with transparency mode or environment-aware settings that enable better hearing of surrounding noises.
