New Study Links Album Releases to Rise in Fatal Crash Rates

      Apple

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      While smartphone usage is a well-recognized issue for road safety, it's typically assumed that texting and making calls are the primary causes. This is why many states have prohibited holding phones while driving, and it's why Apple CarPlay and Android Auto have become vital features in new vehicles. However, a new study released in the journal JAMA Network Open suggests there may be another source of phone-related distraction: streaming music.

      The study specifically examined traffic fatality rates on major album release days. The researchers detected an increase in the adjusted number of fatalities on the release days of popular albums, which, unsurprisingly, coincide with higher instances of music streaming from phones. Fatalities rose by 15.1% compared to the ten days before and after the album releases, while streaming surged by about 43% on those particular dates.

      Fiat

      The researchers analyzed traffic fatalities and music streaming from 2017 to 2022, during which 233,809 deaths were officially documented in the United States. This data comes from the federal government’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), while the streaming usage information was derived from publicly available Spotify charts. The most streamed album on that platform during this study period was Taylor Swift’s Midnights, released on October 21, 2022, which garnered 184,695,609 plays that day. One should never underestimate the enthusiasm of Swifties.

      While album release dates are planned in advance, the researchers note that record companies do not factor in traffic projections, meaning there is no inherent correlation between release dates and surges in fatal accidents. The authors also accounted for variables such as holiday periods and weekdays (albums typically release on Fridays) and conducted demographic analyses as well. They observed that young drivers experienced larger increases in fatal crashes, which aligns with the tendency of younger drivers to use music streaming services more than older drivers who still rely on CDs and aux connections. This highlights an important consideration.

      Cadillac

      Music has been an integral part of the driving experience long before the advent of smartphones. I’ll confess to having a slightly heavier foot while listening to Passion Pit’s Manners, even though that album was released before Spotify existed. The authors assert that music streaming services introduce new distractions that can heighten the chances of a crash. This could occur whether drivers are engaging with their phones directly or through a vehicle’s infotainment system.

      Infotainment systems enable drivers to use phone features hands-free, which is intended to enhance safety. However, the authors argue that this also makes it easier to engage in non-driving activities. It serves as another reminder that when operating a vehicle, the primary focus should solely be on driving.