How can listening to music affect driving behavior?
Scientists recently demonstrated that songs with certain BPM (beats per minute) levels influence drivers to engage in more risky behaviors while behind the wheel. This means that listening to certain types of music could actually increase the risk of car accidents.
Researchers concluded that more intense, fast rhythms can increase excitement levels, causing drivers to adjust the car’s speed to match the tempo of the music or drive more aggressively. On the other hand, slower songs could cause a person to relax too much and lose alertness. Thus, the ideal tempo for driving music should reflect the beat of a human heart at rest–between 60-80 beats per minute.
Hip-hop was especially dangerous for women who ended up driving more aggressively; heavy metal caused men to accelerate the most, and dance music affected women similarly. Classical music caused both genders to drive most erratically.
Wondering which type is “safe?” We’ve come to the conclusion that Downtempo might be a good choice.
Drifting mood, slow tempo and full, booming, powerful bass carried with the chill, groovy beats suit perfectly to a concentrating and secure, smooth, soft driving to work, countryside, or just heading nowhere enjoying time with yourself.
Be safe on the road and drive wisely.
Now of course our top speed is limited anyway but I was thinking hard, fast music might be causing drivers to brake late before a roundabout or drive through it at a faster than necessary speed and/or ■■■■ the acclerator pedal on the way out, tailgate etc.
Me personally I’ve noticed I’m more alert when listening to high tempo music (I drive nights so try to keep awake/alert with little or no traffic around can be a challenge) but I become more aggressive driver where as playing music that’s too slow gives me an urge to play mu usual fast-beat tracks. I did settle eventually on mid-tempo occasionally switching to high. Talks/podcasts are a no-no due to the monotony, maybe right after I’ve had a nap and a coffee and I’m fresh usually early morning hours; otherwise I find them very hypnotizing and sleepiness inducing.
Have you noticed the type of music/audio you listen to affect your driving behavior at work?
