Is Your Playlist Putting You in Danger?
By analyzing data from top driving playlists on Spotify and Apple Music alongside research on tempo, volume, and cognitive distraction, the law firm's new report highlights the 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.
Music has long been known to affect human physiology. The Fitch Law Firm's report draws on research showing that tempo and volume directly influence heart rate, mood, and reaction time—three core components of safe driving.
Here's what the data says: Slow-tempo music (60–80 BPM) helps regulate breathing, reduce anxiety, and stabilize speed.
(60–80 BPM) helps regulate breathing, reduce anxiety, and stabilize speed. Fast-tempo music (120+ BPM) increases heart rate and may cause unconscious speeding.
(120+ BPM) increases heart rate and may cause unconscious speeding. Emotionally intense songs, especially those tied to personal memories, can pull mental focus away from the road.
'Many people build road trip playlists for energy,' said a spokesperson from The Fitch Law Firm. 'But the same energy that gets you hyped can also impair your judgment. That's a real concern when you're operating a 3,000-pound vehicle.'
An analysis of the most-played driving songs reveals that many of them far exceed the ideal tempo for safe driving. High-BPM hits like: 'Blinding Lights' by The Weeknd (191 BPM)
'As It Was' by Harry Styles (174 BPM)
'Stay' by The Kid LAROI & Justin Bieber (170 BPM)
can subconsciously prompt faster acceleration and more aggressive maneuvering.
In contrast, songs like: 'Hey Ya' by OutKast (80 BPM)
'Ride' by Twenty One Pilots (74 BPM)
fall within the safe BPM range recommended by driving psychologists and safety experts.
Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of crashes in the U.S. In 2022, 3,308 people lost their lives due to distraction-related collisions, according to federal data.
While phones and food are commonly cited culprits, music is often ignored, despite being a triple-threat when it comes to distraction: Manual : Adjusting volume or skipping tracks removes hands from the wheel.
: Adjusting volume or skipping tracks removes hands from the wheel. Visual : Glancing at a screen or stereo steals eyes from the road.
: Glancing at a screen or stereo steals eyes from the road. Cognitive: Singing along or reacting emotionally shifts mental focus away from driving.
'Changing a song doesn't seem dangerous, but it ticks all three boxes of distracted driving,' the spokesperson explained. 'And yet, most drivers don't think twice about it.'
Studies have shown that fast-paced music increases the likelihood of speeding, tailgating, and running red lights. Drivers often synchronize their movements with rhythm without realizing it, leading to unintentional speeding or late braking.
High-energy music has been linked to: Increased lane changes
Missed traffic signals
Lower awareness of pedestrians and cyclists
In contrast, moderate-tempo music encourages consistency in speed and smoother decision-making.
Volume is another critical factor. The study found that: Drivers listening to music over 80 decibels (dB) experienced a 20% delay in reaction time .
experienced a . At 55–70 dB , drivers performed better in tests involving braking, focus, and hazard detection.
, drivers performed better in tests involving braking, focus, and hazard detection. Loud music also diminishes awareness of emergency sirens, honks, and road cues.
With modern cars capable of hitting 90+ dB, it's easier than ever to exceed safe listening levels without realizing it.
The future of safer in-car listening may lie in AI technology. The Fitch Law Firm notes that emerging systems are beginning to curate playlists based on: Driving conditions (e.g., highway vs. city)
(e.g., highway vs. city) Driver behavior (e.g., frequent braking or speeding)
(e.g., frequent braking or speeding) Biometric data (e.g., heart rate and stress levels)
'Adaptive playlists that calm the driver in traffic or slow the tempo during high speeds could be a game-changer,' the report states.
The firm recommends the following to help drivers stay focused and alert: Keep BPM between 60–80 for a calm and steady pace.
for a calm and steady pace. Set playlists before the trip to avoid mid-drive interaction.
to avoid mid-drive interaction. Avoid songs tied to emotional events , which can trigger cognitive distraction.
, which can trigger cognitive distraction. Limit volume to 70 dB or less for better awareness.
for better awareness. Use driving-friendly apps or voice assistants to minimize manual input.
'Music can turn a mundane drive into a great experience,' said the firm's spokesperson. 'But it can also turn a minor distraction into a deadly one if we're not careful. Being mindful about what you listen to and how loud, isn't just smart, it's potentially lifesaving.'
With millions of drivers hitting the road, The Fitch Law Firm urges all travelers to take a second look at their soundtracks and consider whether that high-energy song is worth the added risk.
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