Music Choice Can Influence Driver Safety

What’s playing through your speakers may be affecting more than your mood. According to a new analysis by The Fitch Law Firm, your favorite driving playlist could be influencing your behavior behind the wheel in ways you don’t even realize, and not always for the better.

The firm’s latest report examines how tempo, volume, and emotional content in music may increase the likelihood of speeding, distraction, and risky behavior, all of which are major contributors to car accidents in the United States. With 97% of drivers listening to music in the car, the findings have implications for nearly every motorist.

Music and the Brain: Why Tempo Matters

The report draws from studies in behavioral neuroscience and driving safety, showing how music affects both emotional and physiological states, which in turn impact reaction time, focus, and driving aggression.

Key findings include:

• Music with a tempo of 60–80 BPM helps regulate breathing and promotes calmness, making it ideal for driving.

• Songs with tempos over 120 BPM can increase heart rate and reaction speed, leading to unconscious speeding.

• Emotionally charged music, particularly nostalgic or intense tracks, may cause drivers to mentally “zone out,” missing cues on the road.

Popular songs that fall into the high-risk category include:

• “Blinding Lights” by The Weeknd (191 BPM)

• “As It Was” by Harry Styles (174 BPM)

• “Stay” by The Kid LAROI & Justin Bieber (170 BPM)

“These tracks might be great for the gym,” said a spokesperson for The Fitch Law Firm. “But when you’re operating a vehicle, the last thing you want is a beat that gets your adrenaline pumping and your judgment clouded.”

Music-Induced Distraction: A Triple Threat

While music is typically not listed on distracted driving citations, the report emphasizes that it often activates all three types of distraction at once:

1. Manual – Adjusting the stereo or skipping a track takes your hands off the wheel.

2. Visual – Looking at the infotainment screen or phone pulls eyes off the road.

3. Cognitive – Focusing on lyrics or reliving a memory splits mental attention.

In 2022, 3,308 people were killed in crashes involving distracted driving, according to federal data. The most vulnerable age group? Drivers 20–34 are also more likely to use streaming apps and custom playlists while driving.

“People think distraction means texting,” said the spokesperson. “But changing your playlist mid-drive or getting lost in an emotional song can be just as dangerous.”

Turn It Down: Volume and Reaction Time

Volume is another often-overlooked safety factor. The study cites research showing that:

• At volumes above 80 decibels, reaction time decreases by up to 20%.

• Drivers listening to music at moderate volumes (55–70 dB) performed better in focus and hazard response tests.

• Loud music can mask external cues like sirens, horns, or approaching vehicles—particularly dangerous in city environments or heavy traffic.

Modern car audio systems often exceed 90 dB with ease, especially when paired with phone streaming or bass-boosted EQ settings.

Speeding to the Beat: How Music Alters Driving Behavior

High-tempo music doesn’t just influence mood, it can push drivers to match their driving style to the rhythm. The result?

• Unintentional speeding

• Frequent lane changes or tailgating

• Delayed response to red lights or brake lights

Drivers exposed to fast-paced music were also more likely to report feelings of urgency, frustration, or impatience, according to related research cited in the report.

“If your playlist is telling you to go faster, it’s working,” the spokesperson said. “We’re wired to sync with rhythm—but that’s a dangerous reflex when you’re behind the wheel.”

Can Technology Make Us Safer? AI Playlists May Help

The report also points to emerging AI-powered playlist tools that may help drivers maintain safe behavior. Some features on the horizon include:

• Adaptive playlists that match tempo to traffic conditions

• Integration with wearables to detect heart rate and stress levels

• Music cues that encourage safer speeds and smoother lane changes

“This is one of the more promising intersections of safety and tech,” said The Fitch Law Firm. “If AI can detect a driver’s elevated stress and respond with calming music, it could change the way we approach distracted driving entirely.”

Tips for Safer Music Behind the Wheel

As drivers prepare for summer road trips and long commutes, The Fitch Law Firm recommends a few simple steps to create safer listening environments:

Use songs between 60–80 BPM for calmer, more stable driving
Set your playlist before driving—don’t scroll through Spotify on the highway
Keep volume at or below 70 dB to maintain environmental awareness
Avoid highly emotional or memory-triggering songs
Use voice control or steering wheel buttons to minimize distractions

Final Thoughts: Awareness Is the First Step

“Music is one of the most powerful tools for shaping our mood and behavior, and that doesn’t stop when we get in the car,” said the firm’s spokesperson. “Understanding the subtle ways it influences how we drive is critical if we want to make our roads safer.”

Whether you’re cruising on a road trip or navigating rush hour traffic, the firm encourages all drivers to consider the psychological and physical impact of their playlists, and make music choices that enhance—not endanger—their time behind the wheel.