Different factors affect the performance of drivers, one of them being listening to music. Several studies have been conducted in the country and beyond to show how music distracts drivers.
Here is how this happens:
Cognitive distraction
Listening to music requires cognitive effort. Focusing on the lyrics and beats can take a driver’s attention from driving, especially when the music is loud or complex.
Reduced reaction times
A driver listening to sad music may experience emotional driving, which can be as dangerous as any other aggressive driving behavior. This is because when a driver is overly sad, their reaction time may be substantially reduced. Loud music can also reduce a driver’s reaction time.
Why do vehicles have an audio system?
Why do companies install audio systems in their vehicles if they have been reported to contribute significantly to crashes?
Car companies install audio systems to provide occupants with in-car entertainment and information. Besides, music can benefit a driver. Studies have shown listening to music can enhance a driver’s psychological performance and reduce their stress level in traffic. However, this may depend on the type of music and volume.
For instance, light jazz and soft rock at low volumes can be the best genres for drivers. Faster genres, such as techno, can encourage a driver to speed, weave, run red lights and engage in other risky behaviors.
Further, some studies show that a driver listening to their preferred playlist may be more distracting than when listening to random, calming music and more likely to violate traffic laws.
Music can negatively impact a driver’s ability. You need to be cautious when driving around a driver playing loud music and potentially singing along. If such a driver makes a mistake, hitting you, seek legal guidance to know how to approach the case.