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Swift's Music Fuels Fatal Crashes?
17 Aug
Summary
- Traffic fatalities increase 15.1% on major album release dates.
- Study links album releases to distracted driving and crash fatalities.
- Younger, solo drivers more affected by release-day distractions.
A recent study from Harvard Medical School indicates a significant rise in traffic fatalities coinciding with major album releases. Researchers analyzed 10 highly streamed album launches between 2017 and 2022, finding a 15.1% increase in US traffic deaths on release days compared to similar non-release days.
This surge is attributed to distracted driving, as accessing new music often involves multiple steps on a smartphone. The study posits that this increased engagement with mobile devices while driving poses a considerable risk. The impact was particularly noted among younger drivers, males, and those driving alone.
While the study doesn't directly link every fatality to phone use, it strongly suggests that online music streaming contributes to distracted driving. The authors recommend streaming platforms implement safety messages, and drivers are advised to set up music before beginning their journey, especially when alone.
