I love walking. And I love walking while listening to my favorite music or an audiobook. But in recent years, pedestrian deaths have hit a 40-year high—in part because of distracted walkers like me. Luckily, there’s an easy volume test to tell if you can still hear a nearby traffic emergency and get to safety in time.

When a Redditor asked the internet for its favorite “street smarts” tips, one commenter had a great way to check your headphones’ volume:

“You can wear your headphones and listen to music, but you should be able to hear what’s happening. Try snapping your fingers at arm’s length. You should be able to hear that. I mean, you also need to be able to hear oncoming traffic!”

People with “street smarts” what is your most street tip?
byu/Jamestusk007 inAskReddit

DEKRA accident researcher Denis Preissner warns, “Loud music or noise cancellation increases reaction times and the risk of accidents.” He urges walkers to at least turn off noise-canceling mode. But he adds, “No technical aid can replace attention.”

Operating a bicycle or in a crosswalk? “The safest option remains to put your smartphone away and take off your headphones—at least when you’re on the road.” Even on the sidewalk, consider using only one earbud.