Scientists: music while driving can be dangerous

Music while driving: a helper or a dangerous companion? Scientists reveal unexpected facts about the impact of musical accompaniment on driving safety

A review of scientific research paints an ambiguous picture of the influence of music on drivers. According to meta-analyses, motorists who enjoy melodies during their trip demonstrate more unstable adherence to speed limits, more frequently violate safe distances, and get into virtual accidents compared to those who prefer silence. At the same time, data on the impact of music on reaction time and the ability to maintain lane position remain contradictory.

Musical accompaniment stimulates brain activity and increases mental load while operating a vehicle. On one hand, this creates a feeling of alertness; on the other hand, it forces the brain to split between perceiving the road situation and processing sounds. Music indeed helps tired drivers to perk up, but this effect lasts only a short time—just 15-25 minutes.

Researchers note that volume significantly affects driving style. At medium and high volumes, drivers tend to increase speed, while quiet compositions contribute to calmer and more measured driving.

It's not so much the tempo of the music as its emotional coloring that determines the influence on driving behavior. Aggressive and highly emotional tracks can provoke risky behavior in some drivers.

Notably, music chosen by the driver is less distracting and better helps regulate emotional state. Imposed or unpleasant musical accompaniment, on the contrary, more often leads to mistakes, decreased concentration, and an increased number of violations.

Beginning motorists should exercise particular caution. For inexperienced drivers, music significantly increases cognitive load, worsens the ability to notice dangers, and enhances the tendency to speed. This effect is most pronounced when listening to energetic and "joyful" compositions. Experienced drivers typically do not demonstrate such an increased risk.

Researchers do not call for completely abandoning music while driving but recommend taking into account driving experience and road conditions. For most motorists, the optimal choice would be familiar compositions, moderate volume, and calm genres. For beginner drivers in difficult conditions—heavy traffic, bad weather, or when driving unfamiliar routes—experts advise reducing the volume or turning off the music altogether to reduce the load on attention.