Some music 'Hits Different': Harvard study shows link between music and fatal car accidents in US

A Harvard University study found a 15.1% increase in fatal traffic crashes in the United States on days when major music albums were released between 2017 and 2022. Analyzing 233,809 traffic fatalities, researchers linked these releases to an additional 18 deaths per release day, noting that "The number of traffic deaths was significantly higher on major music album release days than during the 10 days before and after." The study, which examined albums like Taylor Swift's Midnights, suggests that driver distraction from mobile phone use to access new music, even with systems like Apple CarPlay, contributes to this increase. Dr. Vishal Patel, a study author, explained that the search process for new music involves "several seconds of looking at the screen" and that unfamiliar music may demand more driver attention. Researchers recommend passengers manage music selection when present.