A new study from The Fitch Law Firm, reveals that your favorite driving playlist might be doing more harm than good. With 97% of U.S. drivers reporting that they listen to music while behind the wheel, the firm examined whether certain types of music could be linked to risky driving behaviors, distraction, and crash involvement, and the findings may surprise even the most experienced drivers.
The study analyzed beats per minute (BPM), volume levels, and emotional triggers across popular playlists to assess how music impacts heart rate, stress levels, and overall driving focus. With summer road trip season approaching, the results offer timely insight into how simple sound choices could make or break your driving safety.
Music, Heart Rate, and Mental Focus: What Science Says
It’s no secret that music can influence mood, but it also plays a critical role in cognitive performance and physiological response, both of which directly impact driving ability.
Key findings include:
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Slow-tempo music (60–80 BPM) promotes calmness, reduces heart rate, and enhances focus.
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Fast-tempo music (120+ BPM) elevates anxiety, speeds up heart rate, and leads to hasty decision-making.
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Emotionally charged songs—especially nostalgic or highly personal tracks can trigger cognitive distractions, pulling mental focus away from the road.
Among the most-played songs on road trip playlists were high-BPM hits like:
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“Blinding Lights” by The Weeknd (191 BPM)
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“As It Was” by Harry Styles (174 BPM)
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“Stay” by The Kid LAROI & Justin Bieber (170 BPM)
“These tracks are popular for a reason; they’re energetic and catchy,” said a representative from The Fitch Law Firm. “But when played behind the wheel, they can also create an overstimulating environment that compromises safe driving.”
Music as a Major Contributor to Distracted Driving
Distracted driving continues to be one of the leading causes of car accidents in the United States. In 2022 alone, 3,308 lives were lost due to distraction-related crashes.
While texting or eating often come to mind as obvious distractions, many drivers overlook the role music plays in diverting attention.
Types of Distraction Music Can Cause:
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Manual: Adjusting volume or skipping songs.
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Visual: Looking at the stereo or phone to switch playlists.
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Cognitive: Getting lost in lyrics or emotional memories triggered by a song.
“Changing a song isn’t a harmless act; it engages all three forms of distraction simultaneously,” the spokesperson added. “And most drivers don’t even realize they’re doing it.”
Teen drivers and adults aged 20–34 are the most vulnerable to distraction-related crashes, but the danger extends to every age group and skill level when music becomes overstimulating or emotionally charged.
Fast Music = Fast Driving
Multiple studies cited in the report confirm a direct link between fast-paced music and reckless driving behaviors. High-BPM songs tend to trigger subconscious responses, causing drivers to:
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Accelerate unintentionally
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Weave through traffic
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React slower to red lights and stop signs
Examples of safer song options include:
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“Hey Ya” – OutKast (80 BPM)
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“Ride” – Twenty One Pilots (74 BPM)
“Driving rhythmically to the beat of a song is natural,” the report states. “But when that beat exceeds 120 BPM, the results can be dangerous.”
Turn It Down: Volume Impacts Focus and Reaction Time
It’s not just tempo, it’s how loud the music is.
Key findings on volume and safety:
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Reaction time decreases by 20% when music exceeds 80 decibels (dB).
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Optimal performance was seen at 55–70 dB, where drivers reacted quicker and maintained better braking control.
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Higher volume can drown out critical external cues, including sirens, horns, and other vehicles.
For context, many modern car stereos easily exceed 90–100 dB when cranked up. Experts recommend staying below 70 dB for safe, alert driving.
AI-Generated Playlists May Be the Future of Safe Driving
As artificial intelligence integrates with music streaming platforms, AI-powered playlists may soon offer safer driving experiences.
Potential features include:
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Tempo-matching based on traffic conditions
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Biometric syncing with heart rate monitors to manage stress in real time
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Behavior-based track suggestions that help drivers maintain focus and safe speeds
“This technology could be transformative,” said The Fitch Law Firm. “Imagine a playlist that slows you down when traffic gets heavy or plays calmer music during stressful driving scenarios.”
Tips for a Safer Road Trip Playlist
With travel season underway, the firm offers key recommendations for safer soundtracks:
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Choose music with a BPM between 60–80 to maintain a relaxed, alert state.
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Avoid songs that evoke emotional memories or high-energy responses.
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Set your playlist before driving to eliminate the need for mid-drive adjustments.
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Keep volume under 70 dB to maintain awareness of your surroundings.
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Combine good music habits with routine vehicle checks to maximize road safety.
Final Word: Don’t Let Your Favorite Song Put You at Risk
“Music can make the drive better but it can also make it more dangerous if you’re not intentional,” said the firm’s spokesperson. “The difference between a safe ride and a tragic one might come down to what’s playing on your stereo.”
