Find out how a playlist could impact your safety behind the wheel

Songs with a faster tempo can have a negative impact on driving behaviours, according to new research that revealed that some of our favourite tunes can hamper crucial decision-making.

Songs with more than 120 beats per minute (BPM) were found to be the music that affected some drivers’ speed, alertness and reaction time.

The research by Allianz Australia revealed that of the 32 per cent of people who responded that they are affected by music while driving, nearly one in three admitted that the pace or tempo makes them drive faster.

Another 33 per cent noted a decrease in overall concentration when listening to music.

With many of the hit songs of the season falling in this range – including Charli xcx’s Bratand Troye Sivan’s Rush– road safety experts are asking drivers to be aware of how music can affect their mood when behind the wheel.

According to experts, the ideal BPM for music while driving is 60-80, which studies suggest can promote safer driving by encouraging a calmer and more focused state.

Conversely, songs with a BPM between 120 and 125 are believed to be the best for jogging, as they can help people to synchronise their stride to the beat.

Although music can be a helpful tool to stay focused on drives involving long monotonous roads, road safety expert Andry Rakotonirainy said it was important that drivers think about their song choice.

“Music has been created to generate emotion,” Dr Rakotonirainy said when asked why some music impacts our behaviour more than others.

“Enhanced situational awareness is paramount for road safety.

“Research, including studies by Allianz, has shown that faster-paced music directly correlates with increased driver distraction, leading to poor decision making.”

Although Dr Rakotonirainy said music wouldn’t affect everyone the same, choosing slower-paced music was one way to enhance road safety.

To ensure that drivers can listen to their favourite songs while travelling safely on roads, Allianz Australia have joined forces with Spotify to launch ‘Seat Belters’, an in-app function that creates personalised playlists that only include songs with lower beats per minute.

The feature has been launched to coincide with National Road Safety Week, taking place from May 11–18.

Dr Rakotonirainy reminded drivers to organise their playlists before they begin driving to avoid distractions.

“While Allianz’s research specifically highlights the link between music and driver safety, revealing that nearly a third of drivers believe music affects how they drive, it’s important to also consider other potentially harmful habits like phone-use, smoking, eating and drinking, and speeding,” he added.

To access the function, search ‘Seat Belters’ in the Spotify app.