According to a recent study, more than two-thirds of young drivers think it is almost impossible to concentrate on the road without music. This seems to be a need. Nevertheless, researchers call for vigilance, because there are risks, although these have not yet been precisely identified.
Most drivers enjoy music in the car. It can be a way toovercome the monotony of a trip and fight against drowsy driving. Nevertheless, playing a sound that is too loud or perhaps too stimulating can be a source of danger. A study published in the journal Psychomusicology:Music, Mind and Brain on January 1, 2021 was conducted by researchers from the BGU Music Science Lab at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (Israel). They explain that of the 140 volunteers (18 to 29 years old) in the study, 97% listen to music in the car.
However, a question arises:do our favorite songs have a positive impact on our driving? According to the researchers, 80% of participants find it nearly impossible to concentrate on the road in the absence of music. Even after arriving, many stay in the cabin until their favorite music ends.
“For young drivers aged 18 to 29, music in the car is not just entertainment, it is part of their atmosphere, that they whether alone or not" , said Warren Brodsky, director of the BGU Music Science Lab.
Despite these declarations of love for music in the car, researchers call for vigilance . According to them, young people are used to being constantly stimulated, but also to absorbing large amounts of information throughout the day. Thus, the latter do not really wonder how the type of music they play can affect their concentration . It could also "induce aggressive behavior or cause them to miscalculate risky situations . This may become a bigger issue in the future, when it will be essential to disengage from music and take control of an autonomous vehicle “, asserted Warren Brodsky.
Despite this work, the influence of music on the abilities of young drivers is still uncertain. Israeli researchers believe that further research could allow a more precise identification of these possible risks.
