For a significant portion of motorists, music has long been a familiar companion on every trip. It shapes the emotional background, helps to tune in to the road, and partially reduces the level of stress in heavy traffic. Statistics show that over 80% of drivers cannot imagine traveling without musical accompaniment, and among young motorists, music is often perceived as a mandatory condition for maintaining attention and concentration. Nevertheless, as The Conversation notes, the impact of music on the driving process cannot be considered unequivocally positive.
The results of the analysis of a number of scientific works indicate a dual effect of the musical background. On the one hand, it is able to support the emotional state of the driver, on the other hand, it negatively affects the control parameters. On average, drivers who listen to music demonstrate less stable speed control and distance to vehicles in front. In addition, in experimental simulations, they are more likely to be involved in accidents than those who drive in complete silence. At the same time, the influence of music on reaction speed and the ability to keep the car within the lane changes markedly depending on the specific conditions.
Musical accompaniment increases the level of excitation of the nervous system and increases the cognitive load. This creates a subjective feeling of vigor and activity, but at the same time, music begins to compete with the task of analyzing the traffic situation. In a state of fatigue, such a stimulus can indeed briefly help the driver to cheer up, but the duration of this effect is limited and, as a rule, ranges from 15 to 25 minutes, after which the positive effect weakens.
The volume and nature of the music being played are equally important. Studies show that at medium and high volumes, drivers tend to drive faster than in silence or with a quiet musical background. On the contrary, calm and quiet music is more often accompanied by a more measured and cautious driving style. Aggressive, rhythmic, and emotionally charged compositions can increase impulsivity and increase the tendency to risky maneuvers on the road.
The very principle of choosing musical accompaniment is also important. Compositions that the driver selects independently, as a rule, distract less attention and help maintain internal balance. Music imposed from the outside or causing irritation, on the contrary, can reduce concentration, provoke errors, and increase the number of traffic violations.
The most pronounced negative impact of music is recorded among novice drivers. In their case, the additional cognitive load has a greater impact on the quality of driving. The authors of the studies recommend taking into account driving experience and the current traffic situation when forming playlists, especially in difficult driving conditions.