If you polled a group of drivers, odds are that around nine out of every 10 would say they frequently listen to music in the car. This has lessened a bit lately due to podcasts and other types of media, but it’s still very common.
Now, these drivers can choose whatever type of music they want, and from whatever source — traditional radio, satellite radio, streaming via Bluetooth, etc. But the type of music they eventually select could have a big impact on just how safe they really are when they drive.
Speeding up with the beat
There are a lot of things to consider here, such as the style of music or the emotional attachment that the driver feels, but one of the biggest factors is just the number of beats per minute (BPM). The faster the music is, the faster people tend to drive.
For instance, those listening to rock music average about 10 miles per hour faster and they change lanes twice as often as those listening to slower music or no music at all. This led researchers to conclude that anything over 120 beats per minute can make driving more dangerous and may lead to car accidents.
Will turning the music off help?
The next time you drive, will turning the music off help keep you safe? It may, at least in the sense that you will personally be a safer driver. However, remember that you share the road with many other drivers who likely have their own music playing the entire time they’re behind the wheel. If one of them causes an accident that leaves you injured, then you need to know how to seek financial compensation that will cover your losses.