5 April 2002: The music you listen to whilst driving can have a severe impact on your performance behind the wheel, according to the RAC. The comments follow the publication of new research from Israel, which showed that uptempo music caused drivers to have double the amount of accidents as those listening to slower music.

The study gave 28 students different types of music, ranging from slow ballads to dance music, and monitored as they used a driving simulator. Drivers who were listening to music with a fast beat were found to be twice as likely to go through a red light and have twice as many accidents.

The research by academics at Ben-Gurion University supports similar work undertaken by the RAC Foundation in 1998.

Conrad King, Consultant Psychologist to the RAC, says that if music is above 60 beats per minute, listeners experience a faster heart rate and increased blood pressure. And he adds that here is no fundamental difference between the boy racer listening to rave music and the business man in his new Jaguar pumping out opera.

“When he has the Ride of the Valkyries coming out of the speakers, heaven help anyone who gets in his way. It all depends on the speed of the beat of the music."

Music to avoid includes: Kylie Minogue, "In Your Eyes"; Motorhead, "The Ace of Spades"; Wagner, "The Ride of the Valkyries"; Mussourgsky, "Night on a Bare Mountain"; Verdi, "Dies Irae (Requiem)"

Music that will help driving includes: Dido, "Thank You"; The Beatles, "Here Comes The Sun"; Robbie Williams, "Angels"; Bach, "Cello Suite No.1"; Will Young, "Evergreen"; The Smiths, "Girlfriend in a Coma"

“Judging by these findings, I’d venture that Westlife and the Corrs are a safe bet on the roads,” comments Robert Taylor of RAC Ireland. ‘However, some of our more rousing traditional music might be best enjoyed in the pub or at home!!”

©2002irishcar.com