Top album releases linked to rise in fatal crashes as ‘distracted’ drivers access music
Summary
A study found that the release of major music albums is linked to a 15% rise in fatal car crashes in the US on those release days. Researchers believe distracted driving caused by using phones to find new music could increase the risk of deadly crashes.Key Facts
- Researchers studied 10 popular album releases in the US from 2017 to 2022, including Taylor Swift’s Midnights and Drake’s Scorpion.
- Streaming of top songs was 43% higher on album release days compared to surrounding days.
- Fatal car crashes increased by about 15% on album release days, equal to roughly 182 more deaths across the 10 albums.
- Drivers accessing new music on smartphones may be distracted because it takes several seconds to unlock the phone, open an app, and select a song.
- The increase in crashes was bigger among younger drivers, males, those driving alone, and drivers with cars that have built-in entertainment screens.
- The study did not prove that phone use caused the crashes, only that crashes rose on release days when streaming surged.
- Researchers suggest music apps warn users to set up music before driving and remind drivers to avoid phone use while driving.
- Many countries have laws to reduce phone use while driving to improve traffic safety.
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