Ear-splitting rap and rock music played by teenage drivers increases their risk of crashing.
Researchers at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev in Israel have found that teenagers listening to their preferred music commit a greater number of errors and miscalculations on the road - and young men make more frequent and serious mistakes than young women.
The study, which involved 85 drivers, sent the teenagers on six 40-minute journeys. Two of the drives were with music of their own choice, two with background music designed to increase safety - easy listening, soft rock, light jazz - and two without music.
‘DEFICIENT DRIVING BEHAVIOURS’
When they listened to their preferred music, all but two demonstrated an average of three ‘deficient driving behaviours’ - such as tailgating or careless lane switching - on at least one trip. Nearly a third had to be told to take action to avoid a crash.
When no music was played, 78 out of 85 made errors - but when the alternative music was played, mistakes decreased by 20 percent.
Researcher Warren Brodsky, said: “Young drivers tend to play music very loudly - 120 to 130 decibels. Drivers are not aware that as they get drawn-in by a song, they move from an extra-personal space involving driving tasks, to a more personal space of active music listening.” - Daily Mail