Is Your Playlist Putting You At Risk?

For most drivers, music is more than just background noise – it sets the tone for the entire journey. Whether it’s a carefully curated road trip playlist or just the radio playing in the background, the songs we listen to while driving can impact focus, reaction time, and even the way we behave behind the wheel.

At The Fitch Law Firm, PLLC, we wanted to know: Could your playlist be making you a more dangerous driver? By analyzing popular road trip songs, beats per minute (BPM), and volume levels, we uncovered how certain music choices may contribute to distracted driving, increased speeding, and higher stress levels.

With 97% of drivers reporting that they listen to music on the road, this isn’t just a niche concern – it’s something that affects almost everyone. Here’s what we found about the connection between music and driving safety – and what you can do to make smarter choices behind the wheel.

Can Your Playlist Affect Your Heart Rate & Anxiety Levels?

Music has a direct impact on heart rate and anxiety, both of which play a role in driving performance. Studies suggest that:

• Slow–tempo music (60–80 BPM) promotes relaxation, helping drivers maintain a steady heart rate and reducing stress levels.
• Fast–tempo music (120+ BPM) can elevate heart rate, creating a sense of urgency that may lead to riskier driving decisions.
• High–energy, emotionally charged songs (such as nostalgic hits or those tied to personal memories) can increase cognitive distraction, pulling attention away from the road.

A study of road trip playlists from Spotify and Apple Music revealed that most top-played songs exceed the ideal 60 – 80 BPM range. Among the most extreme are:

1. “Blinding Lights” – The Weeknd (191 BPM)
2. “As It Was” – Harry Styles (174 BPM)
3. “Stay” – The Kid LAROI & Justin Bieber (170 BPM)

These high-BPM songs may increase anxiety and reaction speeds, causing drivers to accelerate unconsciously or make hasty decisions.

How Music Contributes to Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is a leading cause of car accidents, yet many drivers don’t realize that music can be one of the biggest distractions behind the wheel.

Key Distracted Driving Statistics:

• 58% of teen driver crashes are caused by distractions.
• Adults aged 20–34 make up a significant portion of those affected by distracted driving.
• In 2022 alone, 3,308 people died in crashes related to distracted driving.

Distractions while driving generally fall into three categories:

1. Manual Distractions: Taking hands off the wheel (e.g., adjusting the stereo)
2. Visual Distractions: Looking away from the road (e.g., reading a song title)
3. Cognitive Distractions: Losing focus on driving (e.g., getting caught up in song lyrics or memories)

What many people don’t realize is that changing a song involves all three types of distractions at once. Whether you’re skipping a track, adjusting the volume, or finding a new playlist, you’re momentarily taking your focus off the road – sometimes with dangerous consequences.

This is especially concerning given that most drivers don’t recognize music as a potential distraction, even though studies show it can influence driving behavior just as much as using a phone or talking to a passenger.

Fast-Tempo Music Increases Speeding and Aggressive Driving

Studies confirm that fast music is linked to aggressive driving behaviors, including:

• Speeding: Higher BPM music can lead to unintentional acceleration, as the brain subconsciously syncs movements with the rhythm.
• Weaving through traffic: Faster tempos promote heightened energy levels, sometimes leading to unnecessary lane changes or tailgating.
• Running red lights: One study found that drivers listening to fast-tempo music were more likely to miss stop signals or react slower to changes in traffic flow.

For safer driving, consider incorporating songs between 60-80 BPM, such as:

• “Hey Ya“–OutKast (80 BPM)
• “Ride“–Twenty One Pilots (74 BPM)

Does Loud Music Increase Road Accidents? What Data Says

Beyond tempo, volume also plays a crucial role in driving safety. The human ear typically processes sound at 70-80 decibels (dB), but listening to music at higher volumes can cause significant reaction delays.

Key Findings on Loud Music and Driving Safety:

• Reaction times decrease by 20% when exposed to loud music (80+ dB).
• Drivers listening at 55 dB performed better in focus and braking tests than at 85 dB.
• Higher volumes reduce situational awareness, making hearing sirens, honking, or other critical road noises harder.

For optimal driving conditions, keep music volume at or below 70 dB—loud enough for enjoyment, but not overpowering external sounds.

AI-Powered Playlists Could Make Driving Safer

With technology advancing, AI-generated playlists could enhance road safety by dynamically adjusting music selections based on:

• Driving conditions: Slower BPM songs for heavy traffic, steady tempos for highway cruising.
• Heart rate and stress levels: Adaptive playlists that monitor biometrics to select relaxing or stimulating tracks.
• Driver behavior: AI could analyze acceleration patterns and adjust music to encourage safer speeds.

As AI continues to shape music curation, it could play a pivotal role in reducing distracted driving and improving road safety for everyone.

Road Trip Safety Tips: Building a Safer Playlist

With summer road trips approaching, travelers should carefully curate playlists that enhance focus rather than create distractions.

Essential Road Trip Safety Tips:

• Opt for moderate–tempo music (60-80 BPM) to maintain a calm and steady driving pace.
• Avoid songs that trigger emotional memories, as they can lead to cognitive distractions.
• Keep the volume at a moderate level (55–70 dB) to ensure awareness of surrounding sounds.
• Plan your playlist in advance to minimize the need to change songs mid-drive.
• Check your vehicle’s condition before departure, ensuring safe tires, brakes, and fluid levels, as well as the car recalls list. 

Rethink Your Playlist—Make Every Drive Safer

Music is a constant companion on the road, but not all playlists are designed for safe driving. The tempo, volume, and emotional weight of your song choices can directly impact reaction time, concentration, and driving behavior.

Before your next drive, consider adjusting your playlist. Opt for songs in the 60-80 BPM range, keep the volume at a moderate level, and avoid music that triggers strong emotions or distractions. These small changes can have a significant impact on your safety and the safety of those around you.

As road trip season approaches, take control of your driving environment. The right playlist doesn’t just enhance the journey—it ensures you stay focused, aware, and in command behind the wheel.