Sports radio as dangerous as drunk driving?

Car buyers hoping to keep their vehicles in good repair and their licenses in good standing probably already know that they shouldn't mix alcohol and driving - yet new research indicates that listening to sports radio could be just as dangerous.

The Daily Mail reports that a new study from the Transport Research Laboratory has found that the tense 'crunch' moments of sports coverage can affect driver's concentration, having a detrimental effect on their reaction times. In cases where the driver has an emotional (supports the team) or financial attachment (a bet) on the outcome of a match, their reaction times can be around 20% slower than normal.

This kind of distraction could add an extra six metres to a car's stopping distance at a travelling speed of 70mph. According to the report, this is 10% further than the additional stopping distance when driving with a legal blood alcohol level.

Researchers found during their study that there was a 50% increase in the number of incidents of hard braking when motorists were listening to sports commentary on the radio. They say that though motorists are aware that other distracting factors - background stress, arguing passengers such as children, talking to the passengers - could impair their confidence and safety whilst driving, "they did not feel that listening to sports commentary on the radio had an impact on their concentration, confidence or safety."

Andy Goldby of Direct Line, who sponsored the study, said: "We hope that by drawing attention to the increased risk of distraction, drivers will pay more attention to the road and less attention to the game."

Ron Nevin, York, Mazda RX-8

Michael Hogan, Birmingham, Ford Focus