If you’ve been following my posts lately, you know that I’ve been doing a little bit of traveling, to say the least. Most of it has been on the road driving or riding. A couple of weeks ago, a group of us got into a conversation about driving and what we listen to as we drive. Most everyone talked about the type of music or even audio books. I commented that I have gotten into the habit of not having the radio on at all. I stated that I liked to use this time to think. I have found that I can ponder on a great number of things or work on something in depth as I drive.
I remember a couple of years ago we were on a road trip and I started thinking about my oldest daughter getting married. Let me tell you, I was wide awake and focused for many miles. I was so wired that I am surprised I was not speeding or at least not stopped for speeding. I was highly motivated, to say the least.
I bring this up to question why in the world so many people ride around with their music playing so loud. I am not even going to pick on any age group. I have seen them all.  Sure, the younger age group will tend to do this more than others, but I am continually shocked when I see someone much older riding around with the music blaring so loud, that the music is not even recognizable since it is so loud. Now I admit it, I like to turn it up a little every now and then, but come on. I ask, what in the world is the purpose? Sure, you can argue that you are just unwinding, but let’s be honest, what do you have to unwind about that you have to drive for miles with the radio playing so loud that what is on, is not understandable? I ask this since I have been in many stressful work related situations in my 24 years of police work and I have never driven for miles and miles playing the music loud to unwind. Actually, I usually feel better after a few moments of being quiet, a little solitude. I personally do not think there is much room for personal reflection with the music blasting so loud that the car shakes as a result.
I have gone on this rant after driving across town, about 60 miles one way, then coming to a Starbucks to use their internet while my son is at basketball practice. While on my way to Starbucks, a female, who looked older than me (I know, some of you are shocked) drove past me with the windows down and the radio up so loud that I could not make out a single word that was coming from the radio. I just think it is crazy.
Here are my questions to you:
- What do you think about this in general?
- Do you like to drive around with the music blasting, listening to talk radio, audio books?
- Have you ever tried driving around with the radio off; do you do this often or rarely?
- Am I just getting old and showing my age by writing this?
[...] So Much Noise [...]
I drive with my windows down, blasting music all the time. No surprise. Then again, I like to just enjoy the weather, when it’s nice. There is a lot of value in silence though, that is truly underappreciated.
I used to listen to it loud because my car is loud being that it is so low to the ground. After tuis deployment though I am pretty much def from being in one or tow too many IED blasts.
I will typically listen to an audiobook on road trips. I find I am less apt to get drowsy that way and music can get boring some times.
I’m with you on this one, dad. I actually like the silence at times. With all of my trips back and forth to school I get a lot of thinking done:) It really is peaceful.
It is looking like there are some very good points or aspects to taking advantage of some solence while driving in the car. Thanks for all the comments back on this one.
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I enjoyed reading the responses.
I hope you have been doing a lot of thinking Meagan
I usually listen to air1 when I have the kids in the car, because my kids are better behaved & don’t pick on each other so much. When I am with my older kids, we either listen to classical(supposed to build your brain cells) or we talk. When I am alone, It is quiet. yes.
Different music promotes different responses. Sometimes quiet mellow music aids my thinking. For me I just love driving and find that the act itself is (usually) a release. I do agree that all too often people’s lives are SO busy that it seems rather pointless to add more noise to your life. Quietness is very good and very healing, if you can’t get it anywhere else…why not in a car?
…On a side note… thanks for posting thought provoking blog notes and for asking questions that help some of us make comments! You are doing a good job… keep after it.
I typically listen to the radio with the kids in the car because it deters errant noise from the back seat. Both my kids are just noisy, noise makers, in sometimes nonsensical ways so to avoid this I have music on. I usually have MP3′s though because I cannot stand commercials. I am a horrible channel flipper at the first sight of a dreaded commercial. I focus best with music on, I need the noise to sort through my thoughts. Errant noises distract me immensely. Even when I worked at AIG I always wore headphones to drown out all the goings-on in other cubes around me. I only turn it up loud if it’s a song I love… and Chris hates it. Maybe it’s a guy thing to turn it down… and older guy thing. SORRY!
i confess, i do this every now and then, when there is a song on i really really love—and the loudness drowns out MY voice singing with it!