According to Autotrader UK there is a gap between the artists drivers think are helping them concentrate, versus what the science says.
A survey asked drivers which artists help them stay calm and focused behind the wheel. And which they find most distracting.
The findings were cross-referenced against Autotrader UK’s previous hazard perception research. Which measured how different artists’ music affects drivers’ ability to spot and react to road hazards.
Taylor Swift most calming
Taylor Swift takes the top spot as the most calming presence on the road, followed by Harry Styles, Eminem, Beyoncé and Ariana Grande. Although Taylor Swift tops the driving concentration charts, only 14 percent of drivers give her the credit for this.
With her twelfth album, ‘The Life of a Showgirl’ still dominating playlists, Swifties may be unknowingly giving themselves a driving advantage. Taylor Swift scored highest in Autotrader’s hazard perception studies, with an average score of 60 out of 75.
Whether it’s the steady rhythm of ‘Anti-Hero’ or the upbeat energy of ‘Shake It Off’, Taylor Swift’s music appears to sharpen drivers’ focus without them even realising it.
The most calming artists, according to drivers:
- Taylor Swift – 14 percent
- Harry Styles – 9 percent
- Eminem – 9 percent
- Beyoncé – 9 percent
- Ariana Grande – 8 percent
- Billie Eilish – 6 percent
- Drake – 6 percent
- Olivia Dean – 5 percent
- Lana Del Rey – 5 percent
- Bad Bunny – 3 percent
Eminem most distracting
When asked which artists make it hardest to concentrate, whether through singalong temptation, emotional pull or the urge to skip tracks, Eminem leads the way. With Billie Eilish and Beyoncé also making the top five.
Eminem has a surprisingly split reputation on the road. The rapper tops the chart as the most distracting artist yet simultaneously ranks third for keeping drivers calm.
Autotrader‘s previous hazard perception data helps explain it: Eminem scored 58.5 out of 75. Suggesting that his high-energy delivery can sharpen focus for certain drivers.
The verdict depends entirely on who is behind the wheel, for example among men, 13 percent named him as calming, compared to just 6 percent of women.
The most distracting artists, according to drivers:
- Eminem – 10 percent
- Taylor Swift – 9 percent
- Billie Eilish – 6 percent
- Beyoncé – 6 percent
- Drake – 6 percent
- Bad Bunny – 5 percent
- Harry Styles – 4 percent
- Ariana Grande – 4 percent
- Huntr/x – 4 percent
- Katseye – 3 percent
Younger people listen to more music
The survey reveals a generational divide. Nearly two-thirds (64 percent) of 18-24-year-old drivers admitted that music can sometimes distract them from the road. More than four times the rate of drivers aged 55 and over (only 15 percent felt the same).
Younger drivers are also far more likely to be listening to music in the first place. With 87 percent of 18-24-year-olds saying they always or almost always have music on while driving.
This is compared to 62 percent of over-55s. For the oldest age group. The music of choice veers towards the classics, like Bob Dylan, ABBA, the Beatles and Elton John.
Tom Roberts, car leasing expert at Autotrader says, “We all love a good road trip playlist.It’s one of the great joys of driving.”
Great music can keep you focused
“But these findings reveal a gap between what we think helps us concentrate and what the data shows. Taylor Swift sitting at the top of our hazard perception results tells its own story. Great music can keep you focused without you even noticing it.”
“What’s clear is that Eminem’s appeal divides drivers. Some find his energy mind-numbing. While others find it impossible to resist rapping along.”
“Whichever camp you fall into. The most important thing is that the music never becomes more attention-grabbing than the road. Keep the volume sensible. Put your playlist on before you pull away. And let the music work for you rather than against you.”
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