Final answer:
It is true that good hearing is crucial for drivers to operate a vehicle safely. Hearing helps detect sound cues necessary for driving and excessive noise can impair this ability, making it hazardous to road safety.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that drivers must have good hearing to safely operate a motor vehicle is true. Hearing is vital for detecting various sound cues that are essential for safe driving. This includes sounds like honking horns, sirens of emergency vehicles, or the noises from other cars that may indicate potential hazards on the road. Moreover, having good hearing helps in maintaining situational awareness, preventing accidents, and ensuring overall road safety.
When considering sound intensity and sound level, we must understand that excessive noise can impair hearing. For example, if a driver has their stereo turned up loudly, it can prevent them from hearing important sounds from their surroundings. It's akin to why heavy noise on crowded roadways can make it difficult to hear someone speaking unless they shout. Loudness of sound is directly related to the vibration of the sound source, and excessive exposure to high-intensity sound can be hazardous to hearing, highlighting why good hearing is essential for drivers.
Not only does hearing allow us to enjoy music or communicate with others, but it also contributes to other functions such as balance. This is because the ear senses the position of the body, which in turn helps maintain balance, a critical aspect when operating a vehicle.