While most drivers rely on music to set the tone for their commute or road trip, a new study from The Fitch Law Firm reveals that your playlist may be doing more than keeping you entertained—it could be quietly raising your risk of an accident.
By analysing top driving playlists on Spotify and Apple Music alongside existing research on tempo, volume, and cognitive distraction, the law firm highlights a concerning but under-discussed link between music and road safety. With 97% of drivers saying they listen to music in the car, this is no niche concern—it’s a public safety issue hiding in plain sight.
The Science Behind the Soundtrack
Music’s influence on human behaviour is well documented. Faster tempos are shown to increase heart rate, while loud volumes can overstimulate the brain. On the road, this means songs that are especially energetic or emotionally charged may push drivers to speed, misjudge distances, or take unnecessary risks.
For example, academic research cited in the report found that drivers exposed to songs over 120 beats per minute were significantly more likely to make sharp lane changes and drive faster than those listening to slower tracks. In contrast, mellow or slower songs encourage steadier driving habits.
“The findings suggest that what you choose to play on your drive really does affect how you handle the wheel,” notes The Fitch Law Firm’s car accident attorneys.
Why This Matters
Car accidents remain a leading cause of injury and death in the U.S. Distraction is often blamed on phones, but auditory distractions like music are frequently overlooked. Given the fact that almost every driver has the radio or streaming service running, even subtle changes in driving behaviour could scale up to significant safety risks nationwide.
This doesn’t mean drivers should turn the volume off completely—music also has benefits, such as reducing stress during traffic jams and keeping drivers alert on long journeys. But it does mean drivers should think more critically about what’s playing through their speakers.
Practical Takeaways for Drivers
To reduce risk without losing the enjoyment of music, experts suggest:
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Keep the volume moderate so outside sounds (like sirens or horns) remain audible.
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Avoid overly fast or aggressive songs during complex driving conditions such as rush-hour traffic or poor weather.
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Reserve energetic playlists for stationary moments, like at the gym, and save calmer tracks for the road.
By being mindful, drivers can balance enjoyment with safety—making music a complement to, rather than a distraction from, responsible driving.
Conclusion
The Fitch Law Firm’s research shines a light on how much influence our everyday playlists might have on driving habits. Just as texting behind the wheel is widely recognised as dangerous, it may be time to broaden awareness of how auditory choices shape driver performance.
In the end, safe driving may be as much about what’s playing inside your car as what’s happening outside of it.
