Streaming Music: A Deadly Distraction for Drivers

eir corresponding release dates the following year when no major albums were released. They found a clear pattern: more streaming on big album days meant more distracted driving, which led to more traffic fatalities.

The study didn’t look at whether streaming directly caused accidents, but the correlation was strong enough to prompt warnings against using smartphones while driving on days of major album drops.

Patel cautioned that the findings are not an indictment of music or artists. Instead, he hopes they spur increased awareness of the risks of phone use behind the wheel.

So, next time you’re looking forward to an album drop, maybe hold off on streaming until you’re safely parked. Your safety, and the safety of others on the road, is worth the wait.