LIST: These Songs Could Make Your Drive More Dangerous, Study Says
TEXAS (TXAN 24) — Drivers may want to think twice before turning up some of their favorite road-trip songs.
A newly released September 2026 study from Trujillo Gonzalez Law Firm analyzed 30 Spotify road-trip and driving playlists to identify songs with tempos that could contribute to faster driving and reduced attention behind the wheel.
Researchers selected the 50 most commonly featured songs and compared their tempos, measured in beats per minute (BPM). The study cites research associating music at 120 BPM or higher with faster driving speeds, reduced attention and an increased likelihood of driving errors.
According to the study, Ed Sheeran’s “Shape of You” topped the list at 192 BPM. The song appeared on 24 of the 30 playlists analyzed.
Oasis’ “Wonderwall” followed at 173 BPM, while “STAY” by The Kid LAROI and Justin Bieber ranked third at 169 BPM.
The top 10 were:
“Shape of You” — Ed Sheeran: 192 BPM
“Wonderwall” — Oasis: 173 BPM
“STAY” — The Kid LAROI & Justin Bieber: 169 BPM
“Rebel Yell” — Billy Idol: 166 BPM
“One Way Or Another” — Blondie: 162 BPM
“Happy” — Pharrell Williams: 160 BPM
“Hey Ya!” — Outkast: 159 BPM
“Don’t Stop Me Now” — Queen: 156 BPM
“Mr. Brightside” — The Killers: 148 BPM
“Locked Out of Heaven” — Bruno Mars: 144 BPM
The study also considered danceability. Pharrell Williams’ “Happy” recorded a 95% danceability score, while “Locked Out of Heaven” scored 92% and Outkast’s “Hey Ya!” scored 91%.
The law firm says fast, high-energy music can contribute to increased stimulation while driving and points to a phenomenon known as rhythmic entrainment, in which people can subconsciously synchronize their behavior with a rhythm.
The study’s authors recommend music between 60 and 100 BPM as a range that may help drivers remain alert without becoming overstimulated, while cautioning that extremely slow music could potentially contribute to drowsiness.
Drivers should remember that music is only one potential distraction. Speed, phone use, fatigue, weather and traffic conditions can all affect driving safety.
Source: Trujillo Gonzalez Law Firm (https://tgtriallaw.com)
Comments