Earbuds and Auditory Cues

I receive admonishments from drivers when I arrive at my destination with my iPod attached to my person. Is this behavior risky?

If you keep one earbud in your right ear, you still get the auditory cues from the traffic side.

Keeping the volume down makes the ride go by pleasantly, while not interfering with "road noises".

If you listen to music (not podcasts), you are more likely to tune it out in situations where your attention needs to be on traffic and pedestrians.

My vote? Music is good. Use common sense and be cautious!