Study identifies safest driving tunes

Singing along to favourite music on the car stereo can help music-loving Britons drive more safely, according to new research by Privilege Insurance.

Half of all motorists say they often sing along to music while driving, while almost one in ten (seven per cent) claim that in-car conversation distracts them.

Almost two-thirds (63 per cent) of safe drivers – those with four or more accident free years – claimed that the music they listened to soothed them while driving, making them feel calmer and more relaxed.  A quarter (24 per cent) said that music actually aided their concentration.

The Privilege study also finds that particular genres of music are more likely to be listened to by safe drivers – easy listening, classical and indie/rock, while those without four accident free years tend to listen to indie/rock, dance/house music and R‘n’B when motoring, although chart/pop music is the most listened to genre by safe and unsafe drivers alike.

Dr Nicola Dibben, a music psychologist from the University of Sheffield who carried out the study on behalf of Privilege, states that music which is overly complex – in other words, with little repetition and with highly emotive vocals – can actually divert motorists’ attention away from the roads, lead to greater driver aggression and reckless motoring behaviour, and may put drivers at risk of accidents.

In the study, Dr Dibben confirms that music can actually help motorists drive safely.  She says that music is more effective than silence, conversation, or talk radio in achieving an optimal state of alertness.  It therefore aids safe motoring and enables drivers to relax, concentrate and keep themselves alert while driving. Even singing along to music can help, it seems.

Dr Dibben says:
“Singing while driving stimulates not only the mind but also the body which in turn produces heightened alertness and reduced fatigue.  Singing may be less distracting than conversation because drivers recall words to songs they already know, or because it is fairly easy to learn the words to music where it uses repeated lyrics.

“The Privilege Insurance research also finds, however, that some music can be distracting, so it is important that drivers choose music which is recognisable to them, is unlikely to distract them and will put them in a positive mood.  Choosing the right music can actually boost concentration and increase considerate, safe driving.”

Based on the findings of the study, Privilege Insurance has compiled five top tips to help drivers pick the perfect safe driving soundtrack:

1. Choose mid-paced music with lyrics that are not excessively aggressive.
2. If becoming bored on a long journey, choose music which varies in volume and tempo to increase alertness.
3. Choose music which evokes pleasant memories to ensure a positive frame of mind.
4. Ensure music is played at a comfortable listening level.
5. Sing along to the music you choose if you know it well!

Ian Parker, Managing Director of Privilege Insurance, says:
“This study shows that listening to music can have both positive and negative effects on driving behaviour.  The right music can aid safe driving by increasing alertness and putting the motorist in a calm and relaxed state of mind.  Meanwhile the wrong music can impair safe driving by distracting motorists and even increasing their aggression on the roads.  We urge motorists to follow our expert tips to ensure they create as safe a driving environment as possible.”

Most fond of in-car sing alongs, the survey finds, are drivers in the North West, while those in East Anglia are least likely to join in.

-Ends-

For more information, contact iJack Communications:
Simon Francis, 020 7419 7340, simon.francis@ijack.com
Rachael Shaw, 0204 419 7335, rachael.shaw@ijack.com

Notes to editor 
This news story applies to England, Scotland & Wales only.

1. YouGov interviewed 1780 drivers online between 29 April to 3 May 2005. Results were weighted to be representative of the GB population.  The results were interpreted in a study commissioned by Privilege Insurance from Dr Nicola Dibben & Victoria Barnett, Department of Music, University of Sheffield.  The full study is due to be published in the journal Psychology of Music in due course.

2. Regional statistics
Region Per cent of drivers who sing in their car

 
3. Dr Nicola Dibben, Director of the MA in Psychology of Music at the University of Sheffield, is an expert on music, mind and culture, with over 40 publications spanning music perception, emotional responses to music, and critical and cultural theory.  Dr Dibben’s research brings together methods and ideas from the sciences and arts; her research into music and emotion includes physiological, psychological and musicological analyses.  Her research profile has led to editorial positions with the journals Musicae Scientiae, Music Theory Online and she is an editor of Popular Music.