Final answer:
To minimize distractions while driving and maintain awareness, one should keep the car radio volume at a moderate level. Very high or very low volumes can be unsafe or lead to hearing damage, as noise levels around 85 dB are common for car radios and should be avoided for prolonged periods.
Step-by-step explanation:
To avoid being distracted when playing the radio in your car, you should keep the volume at a moderate level. This is important for maintaining awareness of your surroundings and preventing distractions that could lead to unsafe driving conditions. It is also recommended as a safer practice in terms of hearing health. Excessive volume can lead to hearing damage over time. Using headphones is not an option, as it can be extremely dangerous, isolating you from sounds that may signal potential hazards.
While listening to music, be aware of the volume levels. For example, common sounds at an intensity level of 50 dB are similar to a quiet home environment, 85 dB might be the average sound level of a car radio, and a level of 100 dB is comparable to the intense loudness of a jet plane during takeoff. Hearing health professionals recommend keeping everyday noise levels as low as possible while still enjoying your music.
It's important to ensure safety and maintain good health practices, such as using hands-free features to minimize radiation and keeping mobile phones away from the body, as well as avoiding creating situations where you might be distracted while driving.