health
Top album releases linked to rise in fatal crashes as ‘distracted’ drivers access music
Harvard study finds traffic fatalities increase by 15% on release dates compared with similar days either side
TL;DR
- A study linked major album releases to a 15.1% increase in US traffic fatalities.
- The increase is attributed to distracted driving as users access new music on their smartphones.
- The rise in fatalities was more significant for younger, male, solo drivers, and those with infotainment systems.
- Researchers suggest streaming platforms could remind users to set up music before driving.
- Drivers are advised to select music and put phones down before starting their journey.