It’s likely that you have turned to the radio for company before when driving in the car. Music can provide both company and entertainment when making your journey from one place to another. But while music can help accompany you, your selection of music has the ability to make your drive riskier.
While we know that distracted driving can be quite dangerous, we often fail to realize that listening to music is actually a form of distracted driving despite its wide acceptance as normal. Studies have shown that 90 percent of drivers listen to music while they drive. But certain music that you think has the ability to relax you may be doing the opposite.
Loud Music Increases Crash Risk
Specific music – especially loud music – can increase your risk of crashing. In fact, according to a study conducted by scientists at Memorial University in Newfoundland, listening to loud music can decrease your reaction time by up to 20 percent.
Although we all may have a different opinion as to what is “loud,” the middle volume of a standard music player is 94dB and the volume of music in your car often reaches about 100dB. To put this into perspective, a standard lawnmower has a volume of about 95dB. This is only compounded by the fact that 93 percent of new drivers play loud music. Since they are new, they lack the experience with navigating a vehicle in a variety of circumstances.
Music with Higher Tempos Increases Risk
Volume isn’t the only risk factor in the riskiness of your musical taste. According to scientists at South China University of Technology, songs with higher tempos tend to drive about 5 mph over the speed limit and those who listened to rock music changed lanes twice as much as those listening to other genres.
While you may be questioning whether your favorite songs are dangerous, you can find out. According to Moneybam’s list of least risky and most risky songs, Led Zeppelin’s ‘Stairway to Heaven’ is the safest choice, while Green Day’s ‘American Idiot’ is the most dangerous.
Music You Enjoy Can Be Distracting Too
If you prefer country music or another genre to rock, you may think that you are better off. But according to various studies, listening to music that you most enjoy often ends up being the most distracting since you pay greater attention to it – and less to the road.
Also, if you are indecisive regarding your music, you may find yourself changing the radio station, mp3, or CD more frequently. This is not only causing an auditory distraction, but a physical one too, as you are likelier to look away from the road – even for a short period of time.
While no one is making you drive in silence, there are things that you can do to decrease the amount of risk that you contribute. Keep your eyes on the road, hands on the wheel, and volume low enough to hear sirens around you. Taking these precautions may not seem like much, but they can actually save lives – yours included.
MPJ Law Firm Can Help Those Who Have Been Injured in a Car Accident
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident due to the negligence of another, it can feel overwhelming. But you shouldn’t have to pay the price for someone else’s mistakes. At MPJ Law Firm, we have a deep understanding of car accidents and a long history of dealing with insurance companies. We will always act in your best interest. To learn more or to schedule a free consultation, contact us today!
Posted in: Automobile Accidents