A new study led by Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) researchers shows that driving is “absolutely impossible” without music. The unique study was published in the journal Psychomusicology: Music, Mind, and Brain.
For drivers between ages 18 to 29, music in the car isn’t just for entertainment. “It’s part of their atmosphere whether they’re alone or not,” said Prof. Warren Brodsky, director of the BGU Music Science Lab in the Department of the Arts to ANI. “They are so used to constant stimulation and absorbing great amounts of information throughout the day, that they don’t question how the type of tunes they play might affect concentration, induce aggressive behaviour, or cause them to miscalculate risky situations,” added Brodsky.
“Music is an essential, universal language which we can all appreciate. Undoubtedly, though, the concerns that stem from the results of this study are worth considering,” said Doug Seserman, chief executive officer, American Associates, the Ben-Gurion University of the Negev to ANI.
As per the study, 140 respondents had answered a 67-item questionnaire that explored how drivers engage with music while driving. Most respondents, i.e., 80%, claimed that it was not difficult but sometimes, nearly impossible to concentrate on the traffic and the road without any music playing in the background. Interestingly, most respondents also said they stay in their car once they reach their destination and wait until the song completes.
About 97 per cent respondents admitted to listening to many short songs on long trips and 65 per cent play fast-paced songs while driving to work; 76 per cent play dance songs when on a holiday or while going out; and 90 per cent play upbeat music when on their way to a party.
“These young drivers believe that more stimulus actually helps their driving abilities,” Brodsky said. “This could become more of an issue in the future when it becomes critical to disengage from music and assume control in an autonomous vehicle.”
