It’s almost second nature, an intrinsic part of our driving rituals: switching on the car radio or plugging in our favourite playlist. We rarely think about it – the habit is as ingrained as fastening our seatbelts. Yet, it’s important to realize that our choice of music, the volume levels, and even our fondness for specific genres can greatly impact our driving habits and, ultimately, our safety on the road.
The Impact of Volume and the British Columbia Loud Vehicle Law:
British Columbia has laws in place that ban excessive noise from vehicles. There is no specific indication in the Motor Vehicle Act Regulation for excessive noise that loud music is prohibited. However, this does not mean that you can play your music excessively loud. Recently, a driver on Vancouver Island was charged after playing loud music in Saanich on a regular basis. He ended up being sentenced and given an order not to play his music.
A 2021 study in the Journal of Science and Medicine showed a direct correlation between increased music volume and slower reaction times in drivers under the age of 25. Songs played at 0dB, 20dB, 40dB, and 80dB respectively demonstrated a clear negative impact on the drivers’ abilities to react to stimuli.
Influence of Music Genre, Tempo, and Preference on Driving:
Research, such as that conducted by Confused.com, suggests that it’s not merely the volume, but also the genre of music, its tempo, and your personal preference, that can significantly affect driving behaviour. For instance, young drivers may find themselves in a better mood when listening to their favourite tunes, but this can inadvertently lead to an increase in driving errors, more aggressive driving, and an elevated risk of distraction. In contrast, calming music played at a low volume was found to enhance driving performance.
Interestingly, the tempo of the music can significantly influence driving habits. Faster tempo music, typically associated with rock genres, seemed to cause drivers to underestimate their speed, disregard traffic lights, and engage in riskier driving behaviour. Conversely, quieter music was linked to improved reaction times and better overall driving performance.
The Therapeutic Role of Music in Driving:
Despite potential risks, music can also offer therapeutic advantages when driving. Specifically, instrumental music has demonstrated a remarkable ability to alleviate stress levels during a drive. In a study by Professor Vitor Engrácia Valenti from São Paulo State University, there was a decrease in heart-rate variability, a clear stress indicator, particularly during high-traffic situations when drivers listened to instrumental music. This compelling evidence underscores the potential of music as a significant tool for managing stress while driving.
So, what’s the takeaway here? Well, like all things, enjoying your favourite tunes in the car has its pluses and minuses. If you’re dialling the volume up too high or getting too lost in some high-octane rock anthem, it could lead to distractions or risky driving. On the flip side, turning down the dial and choosing some calming instrumental beats can actually help you relax and might even make you a better driver. So, the next time you’re reaching for the dial, think about what you’re playing and how loud it’s going. Remember, no matter what’s on your playlist, keeping your eyes on the road should always be your top priority!
Recommendations:
For a safer drive, consider the following songs that fit the criteria of being calming and at a moderate tempo:
Like What You Do – Kyla Lee
Softly – Kyla Lee
Every Thursday – Kyla Lee
Remember, safety first! Enjoy the journey and the music that accompanies you, but keep it at a safe volume and opt for a mid-range tempo.
@kylaleelawyer Does your choice of #music while #driving affect your chances of getting a #speedingticket ? #kylalee #lawyer #drivinglaw #fyp #lawyersoftiktok #trafficticket #traffic #tempo ♬ original sound – Kyla Lee
