Driving to a different beat

We’re all into different types of music – you might enjoy rocking away on your trusty old air guitar to a bit of AC/DC, while I might prefer singing along to Jedward’s latest musical ‘creation’. I said might. Maybe you’re even that rarest of creatures – an Enya fan. But what you probably didn’t realise is that different music genres can affect the way you drive…

A recent study by Halfords found that playing calming music prevents blood pressure from rising and encourages more considerate drivers. So how about swapping your Guns N’ Roses CD with something a little more chilled out like Adele.

Nine out of 10 drivers admit that playing music in the car has an effect on their mood and behaviour behind the wheel, with 60 percent saying it makes them happier and more considerate motorists.

However, some 15 percent of drivers admitted that their choice of music makes them drive faster and 5 percent said it made them more aggressive. This change in behaviour was illustrated by checking the blood pressure of a random group of drivers on a simulated motorway. The results showed that loud heavy beating rock, hip-hop and even some classical works can incite motorists to drive faster. When people listened to these types of music they tended to press the accelerator subconsciously.

Halford’s In-Car Tech Expert Nik Dix said: “There’s evidence that the right choice of music can improve road safety.” According to the survey the top 5 calming songs that maintained blood pressure were:

Vivaldi – 4 seasons
Jack Johnson – Breakdown
Adele – Someone like You
Coldplay – Yellow
Fleetwood Mac – Landslide

Driving with a great song playing on the radio can brighten up an otherwise boring journey, so make the right choice and arrive home safely.

Brought to you by AXA Car Insurance Ireland