Commuting is a part of daily life for most students and working adults and can be dangerous. Road accidents are the 8th leading cause of death in the world, according to reports. So, the likelihood of getting into an accident dramatically increases when commuters are unaware of their surroundings, such as when using traditional headphones.
However, you can still enjoy your favorite podcast or music if you opt for open-ear headphones. In this post, we will explain how this type of headphones can minimize this risk of injury and reveal other gifts for commuters to improve their trips.
First, let us explore the risks you may face while commuting.
The Importance of Safety While Commuting
As a nearly daily activity, commuting needs to be as safe as possible. Therefore, you should understand the risks you face when commuting and how to mitigate them.
Common Risks Commuters Face
Whether you are cycling, riding a motorbike, walking, or driving, you are always at risk of an accident. The major reasons behind these accidents are;
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Distractions
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Lack of situational awareness
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Inebriation
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Drowsiness
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Speeding.
For commuters, lack of situational awareness and distractions can be major factors. This is because you will probably commute during the busiest times when keen attention is required to navigate roads safely.
Why Traditional Headphones Can Be Dangerous for Commuters
Traditional headphones are a popular option for passing the time while commuting. However, the noise isolation they provide can interfere with your situational awareness.
In particular, they impede you from hearing traffic, emergency signals, or public announcements and increase the chances of an accident. Reports show that you are 4 times as likely to be involved in an accident as a driver if you are distracted.
How Open-Ear Headphones Improve Safety for Commuters
When it comes to increasing road safety, open-ear headphones stand out as one of the best gifts for commuters. This is because their design promotes situational awareness with no compromise on entertainment.
Situational Awareness with Open-Ear Design
The open-ear design makes sure that your headphones do not cover or block your ear canal, allowing sound to naturally filter through your ear.
With bone conduction technology, they are perfect for the outdoors ― even in the middle of traffic. At the same time, you will remain able to listen to entertainment or manage calls.
Comfortable and Secure Fit for On-the-Go Use
Commuters will find the open-ear design particularly comfortable. This is because this type of model does not put pressure all over the ear since it does not have ear cups.
Likewise, the lack of ear tips means that these headphones will not enter the ear canal, which can be uncomfortable and tiring over time.
Ideal for Multi-Tasking and Hands-Free Communication
Open-ear headphones also help reduce distractions, which are a major contributing factor to driving accidents.
Generally, this type of headphones will have features that allow you to take calls or use voice assistants without using your hands. Therefore, your hands will remain on the wheel, ensuring a safer trip.
Open-Ear Headphones: A Perfect Gift for Commuters
Since open-ear headphones are safer than the traditional alternative, they make a great present for commuters.
Plus, they have a wide array of additional benefits and features, making them ideal for different modes of transport.
Why Open-Ear Headphones Make Great Gifts for Commuters
Open-ear headphones are not only safe but also stylish. They are often sleek in design and come in a variety of colors, so you can choose one that best fits the recipients.
Moreover, the long battery life and clear sound quality make them a practical choice for everyday commuters. Also, they are low-weight, making them less uncomfortable than other types of headphones.
Top Open-Ear Headphone Picks for Different Types of Commuters
The best open-ear headphones will depend on the kind of transport you take.
For walking or more stationary trips such as taking public transport or driving, OpenFit 2 headphones are the best gifts for commuters. They are sleek, weigh 9.4 g per earbud, and deliver great sound quality using high- and low-frequency units. Its charging case has a 48-hour charge, so you can take it on multiple trips before it needs another one. Plus, its ergonomic silicone exterior makes it comfortable to wear for long periods.
Meanwhile, for more active trips that involve cycling or running, the OpenRun Pro 2 is the best. These headphones have a snug fit that ensures they will not fall off during vigorous movements whilst still giving you situational awareness and great sound.
Additional Commuter-Friendly Gadgets to Pair with Open-Ear Headphones
If you are still looking for gifts for commuters, you should consider what would make their trips more convenient, safer, and interesting. For instance, you could get them a smart backpack.
These bags have strategically placed holes for cables, allowing you to access your devices without opening your bag. Alternatively, you could opt for a portable charger to make sure they do not run out of phone batteries during their trip.
As for beverages, you could get them a water bottle that folds itself down, minimizing the space it takes when empty. Lastly, a phone stand will help your loved ones keep their hands on the wheel and eliminate the distraction of a sliding or falling phone.
Conclusion
Open-ear headphones are much safer for commuters than traditional ones because they allow for more situational awareness. This is because they do not interfere with the ear canal – allowing you to hear your surroundings even as you drive, walk, cycle, or take some other transport. This elimination of distractions from traffic and other emergency sounds is critical to reducing accidents.
So, when looking for gifts for commuters, open-ear headphones from experts in sound technology like Shokz is the best choice.
Check out the OpenFit 2 and discover the comfort of sleek earbuds and unparalleled situational awareness, along with the clear sound of entertainment.
