There’s a new state law that allows motorcyclists to wear headphones, thanks to the efforts of a regional lawmaker.

Gov. Josh Shapiro recently signed the measure, originally proposed by state Rep. Zach Mako, a Republican who represents parts of Lehigh and Northampton counties, that will go into effect in January.

The law updates the state’s motor vehicle code to allow motorcyclists to wear earphones or helmets with built-in headphone capabilities, too.

The measure removes the long-standing restriction that aimed to preserve a rider’s ability to hear ambient road and safety sounds.

Some may think that’s OK, but the new law needs a closer look because the consequences aren’t only technical, but public, too. They affect other people using the roads, first responders and people who may lose loved ones in crashes that were otherwise preventable.

Though I’ve never been a fan, I know many people who enjoy riding on two wheels. And over the years, I’ve seen more than my share of what can happen to those folks.

Like driving a car, motorcycling depends on a combination of sight and sound, with a little balance thrown in.

Audio cues like engine pitch changes, the wail of an approaching siren or horns from drivers who don’t see a lane change are all part of a rider’s experience.

Allowing two-ear headsets compromises their senses. Even with noise-canceling capabilities, sound inside a helmet can limit scanning for danger and delay reactions.

When it involves both ears, a helmet or headphones might be compared to an isolation chamber.

Motorcyclists are saddled with constantly micro-adjusting for surroundings, and even with today’s technology, two-eared hearing might lead to immersion that distracts them from the road.

If using two ears becomes the norm, riders who at one time used a single earbud for an occasional call or navigation could make it permanent and increase the risk on our roads.

When surrounding noise is blocked, things get more complicated for other, unsuspecting drivers. Sirens help gauge the direction or distance of an ambulance or fire truck and allow drivers to adjust. Not hearing a police cruiser or emergency vehicle, a driver may not be able to get out of the way and create hazards for other motorists.

Mako, who first proposed the change four years ago, believes benefits from new technology makes the hearing devices safer and reasons that the state shouldn’t criminalize riders who use the most up-to-date products. He says that rather than glancing down at navigation displays, motorcyclists can receive directions through their earpieces.

Those who agree with him argue that the hands-free communication and navigation make motorcycle riding safer.

The law doesn’t differentiate between state-of-the-art, noise canceling headphones or a set of inexpensive earbuds linked to a cellphone.

There’s no statewide requirement that any such devices meet standards that allow riders to be aware of their surroundings. There’s no limiting the volume and no guarantee a device will automatically lower volume when noises like sirens are around.

Two-eared devices are being treated as if they’re the silver bullet for motorcycling without any evidence.

Many states have no rules concerning using headphones or similar devices. Pennsylvania was part of a group that allowed their use in one ear. But the latest change puts the Keystone State in a category of its own.

It could have been different.

Perhaps a better way to handle the issue would be to build in some safeguards. Maybe lawmakers could’ve paired the convenience with things like mandatory labeling about hearing risk or limits on decibels and maybe even some way to make sure the technology passes through the sounds of an approaching emergency vehicle.

Instead, lawmakers assumed riders would behave responsibly.

Despite its best intentions, the law falls short when it comes to protecting motorists. It sends a message that immersive audio is acceptable.

Moving forward, it might be worthwhile to monitor crashes or near misses that involve headphones or earbuds.

That way, lawmakers might make changes in the interest of safety, and not just turn a deaf ear.

ED SOCHA | tneditor@tnonline.com

The foregoing opinions do not necessarily reflect the views of the Editorial Board or Times News LLC.