Evaluation the Effect of Music Tempo on Driving Performance; تأثیر ضرب آهنگ و تراز صوت موسیقی بر عملکرد رانندگی



F Masoodi F ; M Roudbari MASOUD ; A Zakerian A ; S Vosoughi SH ; I Alimohammadi IRAJ
Source: Iran Occupational Health Published:2025

Abstract

Background and aims: Music tempo and sound pressure levels significantly impact driving performance, considering individuals' personality traits. Studies indicate that, beyond environmental factors, personality characteristics also affect driving performance. This study explores the influence of music tempo and sound pressure levels on driving performance indicators. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted with 90 participants aged 20–35 in 2023. The participants underwent driving performance assessments using a simulator. Performance indicators, including driving speed, braking reaction time, and lateral car deviation, were measured. Participants completed demographic and Eysenck's personality questionnaires and then drove the simulator for 15 minutes under various musical conditions. Data were collected using MATLAB software and analyzed using SPSS 24. Results: The participants’ mean age was 24.0 years, with a standard deviation of 3.77; 38 were women, and 52 were men. The average driving speed across five groups was close to the significance level (P = 0.054). Participants exposed to low-tempo music with high sound pressure exhibited the highest driving speed. There were 33 introverts and 49 extroverts in the study. Additionally, introverts had longer braking reaction times compared to extroverts. The correlation between braking reaction time and the number of collisions was 0.086 and non-significant. Furthermore, the correlation between speed and the number of collisions was 0.23 and significant (P = 0.027). Conclusion: The results indicate that, with consistent sound pressure, low-tempo music negatively impacts driving performance due to a decrease in excitement. Music appears to have a greater impact on the driving performance of introverts than extroverts. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.