Does Listening To Music Make Your Driving Better? Shocking New Data May Show Otherwise

For the vast majority of motorists, the act of driving is inseparable from the act of listening to music. With over 80% of drivers reporting that they use audio on nearly every trip, the car has become one of the most significant listening environments in the modern world. However, as 2025 comes to a close, a new wave of meta-analyses and simulator-based studies is revealing that the relationship between music and road safety is far more complex than simply "tuning out" or "staying awake".

The Conversation reports that, while many drivers believe music helps them focus or manage stress, data from Duke Law and various transport research centers suggests that music acts as a "secondary task" that competes for limited cognitive resources. From shifting heart rates to subtle changes in braking reaction times, the choice of a playlist can be the difference between a controlled commute and a dangerous distraction.

The Cognitive Load of the Beat

Research indicates that music fundamentally alters a driver’s physiological state. Meta-analyses show that listening to music—regardless of the genre—typically increases a driver's mental workload. This "load" refers to how mentally stretched a person is while multitasking. While music can provide a temporary 15-to-25-minute boost in alertness for tired drivers on monotonous highways, this benefit is often offset by a decrease in overall situational awareness.

The volume of music plays a particularly consistent role in vehicular control. Studies have found that high-volume music (above 85 decibels) can slow reaction times by up to 20%, a level of impairment that some researchers compare to driving under the influence of alcohol. Conversely, low-volume music has been shown to nudge drivers toward slower, more cautious speeds. Surprisingly, while fast-tempo music is often blamed for reckless behavior, the broader evidence suggests that it is the emotional intensity of the track—rather than the beats per minute—that most directly predicts risk-taking.

Experience as a Buffer Against Distraction

One of the most significant findings in recent driving psychology is the disparity between novice and experienced drivers. For those with years of experience, the mechanics of driving are largely "automated" in the brain, allowing them to handle the extra cognitive load of music without a significant drop in safety. However, for inexpensive drivers (typically those aged 16 to 25), music remains a major disruptor.

In simulator tests, young drivers listening to "happy" or upbeat tracks were significantly more likely to drift into speeding or miss critical road signs. Aggressive genres like metal or high-intensity pop led to higher error rates and unstable following distances among novices. For these individuals, the brain is still learning to prioritize road hazards, and a complex or loud song can easily "overload" the neural circuitry needed for safe navigation.

Curating a Safer Driving Environment

As the industry moves toward 2026, safety experts are encouraging "functional" music selection rather than just emotional choice. Familiar music that the driver selects themselves tends to be the least distracting, as the brain does not have to work as hard to process familiar melodies. In contrast, "imposed" music—such as a passenger’s playlist or a new radio station—requires more active listening, which can pull attention away from the road.

For optimal safety, experts recommend maintaining a volume level below 70 decibels and opting for calmer, predictable rhythms during complex driving situations like heavy traffic or inclement weather. For newer drivers, the advice is even simpler: when the road gets demanding, the volume should go down. Understanding that your playlist is a "lever" in your safety concept, rather than just a lifestyle accessory, is the first step toward becoming a more mindful motorist.