Google \u2018the best road trip songs\u2019 and you\u2019ll see endless results. You\u2019ll find popular tunes taking a spot on many playlists \u2013 Mustang Sally, On the Road Again, Fast Car \u2013 all chosen for the same theme: driving. But what actually makes a song \u2018best\u2019 for driving?<\/p>\n
Driving is one of the most common activities during which we listen to music. It helps keep us company when we\u2019re driving alone.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s a good way to stay entertained on long trips and can ease frustration, when we\u2019re stuck in traffic.<\/p>\n
We all know that listening to music can improve your mood and relax your body. But what about during driving?<\/p>\n
There have been many studies over the years that try to understand how music affects us when we\u2019re behind the wheel.<\/p>\n
However, the research is not all similar enough to provide absolute proof in every aspect. Here we look at three of the main factors: mood, attention, and performance.<\/p>\n
Your emotions, state of mind, and mood can affect the way you drive. So, if you\u2019re stressed or angry, your driving becomes distracted, putting your safety at risk.<\/p>\n
A study by Philips Research Laboratories first published online in 2012 shows that listening to music in a car affects mood while driving and in turn impacts a driver\u2019s behaviour.<\/p>\n
Music has its benefits while driving as it alleviates boredom and drowsiness and helps you remain alert.<\/p>\n
On the other hand, music can also divert your attention away from the act of driving \u2013 and in demanding road situations that require your full concentration, switching off or turning the volume down low is recommended by road safety experts.<\/p>\n
When a particular piece of music requires more of your attention, the more it competes with your task of driving.<\/p>\n
In another study participants were put to the test in a driving video game where they were exposed to calm and energetic music.<\/p>\n
When listening to the more upbeat, energetic music, their racing performance decreased along with slower lap times.<\/p>\n
On the other hand, when listening to the calm, slow-tempo music they recorded the fastest lap times.<\/p>\n
It seems that energetic music is more distracting because the gamers almost find themselves having to \u2018multitask\u2019 between the music and the driving.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s a tricky question.<\/p>\n
We can say that good music to drive to is the type that reduces stress especially during peak traffic.<\/p>\n
Your favourite tunes also brings down stress levels more than having no music playing at all.<\/p>\n
So, it\u2019s easy to believe that it\u2019s not about a particular music genre or someone else\u2019s playlist of songs that is \u2018best\u2019, but your own personal selection.<\/p>\n
However, the big question is, \u201cDoes it improve my driving?\u201d<\/p>\n
As mentioned above, when music is distracting, it competes with your driving.<\/p>\n
In a study involving a group of young drivers, they found that when listening to their favourite music, even though it put them in a good mood, their driving performance worsened.<\/p>\n
They made more mistakes and they drove more aggressively. On the other hand, when listening to both the alternative calming music, and no music at all, they drove much more safely.<\/p>\n
A good playlist of your favourite tunes can certainly boost your mood in peak hour traffic or on a long road trip.<\/p>\n
For safety\u2019s sake though, especially for young drivers with little experience on the road, remember that driving requires our full attention on our surroundings.<\/p>\n
The key is to choose music that is not distracting and played at lower volumes. This is likely to be calmer slow-tempo, instrumental music with no vocals.<\/p>\n
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