NationStates Jolt Archive

Singing drivers may be safer, study says (http://www.cbc.ca/story/world/national/2005/07/20/music-driver050720.html)

So, if you're one of those annoying SOBs who loves to sing while driving, there's now some good news for you - scientists say it's a good thing!

People who sing along to music while driving tend to concentrate more and fall asleep at the wheel less often, suggests a British study.

Singing stimulates the mind and body, making you more alert, said Dr. Nicola Dibben, a music psychologist from the University of Sheffield.

Conducted for an insurance company, the study found that music kept drivers more alert than talk radio, silence or conversation with another person.

Certain types of music are more effective, such as easy listening, soothing classical and indie/rock. Singing this type of music is less distracting because people can easily recall the repetitive or familiar lyrics, suggests the study.

Complicated or aggressive music such as hip-hop or rousing classical tunes can actually distract drivers, said the study, which surveyed 1,780 people.

Oh this is great! Now my insurance is going to go up because I don't sing while driving! :p

Then you better start practicing! No time like the present. Best do it while the window is rolled down at the busier intersections... :D

<snip>Didn't help my friend...
#...in America woah-oh#
Ooaahhh.
*skid*
*crash*
Lucky for us we were only doing 5 m.p.h.

No, because I'll be hard pressed not to grab the steering wheel and swerve the car in to oncoming traffic just to stop the driver's annoying-ass singing.
Nobody wants to hear it, you can't sing, shut the hell up. That's what I say to people who sing along.

Hey, they're not as annoying as people on cell phones... :P

interesting, how about country?
there is evidence that country music is bad for you. at least one study has shown a correlation between the amount of country music played on the radio in a city, and it's Suicide rate.

Hey, they're not as annoying as people on cell phones... :P
Sadly enough. :)

interesting, how about country?
there is evidence that country music is bad for you. at least one study has shown a correlation between the amount of country music played on the radio in a city, and it's Suicide rate.
;) if you read the bolded part, they do put in certains types that are recommended.

No, because I'll be hard pressed not to grab the steering wheel and swerve the car in to oncoming traffic just to stop the driver's annoying-ass singing.
Nobody wants to hear it, you can't sing, shut the hell up. That's what I say to people who sing along.

Well, that's not true of all people who sing along. Just the tone-deaf ones. *shudder*

Actually, the study's results make a lot of sense. When you're singing, you have to inhale more air more regularly than you would when speaking or being silent. More air = more oxygen, and more oxygen to the brain = more alertness. I've used singing as a replacement for caffeine mornings when I'm sleepy, and it really does work! :)

Oh, great. Now I can't even listen to Wagner's Valkyries anymore without risking a crash of my helicopter... uh - car!!!

I've been in choir for years, and live for the music. I had it in the morning, and, now that i think of it, it did seem to help wake me up. I often sing in the car, and find it really relaxing.

Curses. Being a metal fan, I listen to music which is aggressive and complicated. That study would suggest that I'm screwed. Not to mention the hordes of psychiatrists that would descend on me if I start growling.