People turn on their favorite music when they drive without much thought about how it might affect their driving abilities. They may not realize that the music they listen to can change how they handle certain aspects of driving.
The style of music isn’t necessarily important, but the tempo and the volume can both play a role in certain aspects of driving. Understanding these might help people to make decisions that enhance safety while they’re driving.
How does tempo affect driving?
Songs that have a fast tempo can increase arousal, which often leads to more erratic driving. Some drivers who have on high-energy music drive faster than the speed limit and may not recognize hazards early enough to respond appropriately. Slower music can encourage drivers to drive in a calmer manner, but it may reduce alertness, which is problematic during long drives or when fatigue may be a risk.
How does volume affect driving?
Drivers who are exposed to medium to high volumes may increase the speed at which they drive. The louder the music, the more likely drivers are to speed and make errors. In some cases, drivers drive more aggressively when the music is louder, but they may also have an improved reaction time with the increased volume.
Anyone who’s involved in a car crash should pay close attention to every aspect of the wreck. If the music in the vehicle that struck the victim is so loud that it can be heard outside of the vehicle, that might be worth noting. These cases can be complex, but it’s critical to consider every fact that might be important. Working with someone familiar with these matters may help victims to learn more about their options and move forward in the case.