Psychiatrist Warns of Pedestrian Risks from Earbud Use After Student Death in Ke
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 15 — A psychiatrist has urged young Malaysians to avoid using earbuds while walking in public, citing safety risks highlighted by a recent fatal accident in Kelantan where a university student was struck by a motorcycle while reportedly wearing wireless earbuds.
Dr. Richard Lichenstein's international study documented 116 cases of serious injury or death among pedestrians wearing headphones between 2004 and 2011, most involving young people.
Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS) research has shown significant levels of distracted walking with electronic devices, including a 2016 observational study recording over 300 distracted pedestrians.
"When your ears are blocked, your awareness drops, and when awareness drops, risk rises," the psychiatrist said, referencing the psychological effect of inattentional blindness that reduces environmental awareness.
The psychiatrist, who works with adolescents and young adults, noted earbuds can lead to permanent hearing loss, tinnitus, ear infections, and mental fatigue from constant audio stimulation.
From an Islamic perspective, the psychiatrist cited Surah Al-Baqarah 2:195 and the principle of la darar wa la dirar, emphasizing protection of life and avoidance of self-endangerment.
Wireless earbuds are commonly used in LRT stations, university campuses, shopping malls, and busy road crossings across Malaysia.
International and local data indicate a rise in pedestrian accidents linked to headphone use, though official Malaysian statistics are limited.
Young people often use earbuds for privacy, entertainment, and personal space, but this habit increases vulnerability to missed safety cues like honking cars or train announcements.
Experts recommend reducing earbud use in high-risk areas and maintaining environmental awareness to prevent accidents.