For what it's worth, I find the radio enormously distracting as well. In fact, I find all conversation happening in the car distracting. I've narrowly avoided

For what it's worth, I find the radio enormously distracting as well. In fact, I find all conversation happening in the car distracting. I've narrowly avoided several accidents because I was able to hear the other vehicle approaching, because I always pay full attention to my surroundings. When the radio is on though, or passengers are talking, it becomes very difficult to notice those types of subtle cues. For this reason I have an explicit "no talking" rule when I have others in the car with me. Doesn't make me the most popular person when it comes to carpooling, but whatever, I'll take safety over idle chatter anytime.