Impact of Music Tempo on Driving Behavior and Vigilance in Speed-Limited Areas on Urban Roads

OBJECTIVE: The study aims to investigate the effects of varying music tempos on driving behavior and vigilance across three distinct urban speed-limited environments: generic roads, school zones, and work zones, utilizing a driving simulation experiment. METHODS: The study constructed three urban road scenarios with distinct speed limit challenges: generic road section with 60 km/h limit, school zone with 30 km/h limit, and work zone with 30 km/h limit and a lane closure. Participants were recruited to conduct driving simulation experiments, executing speed-limited tasks under conditions of no music, slow tempo music, and fast tempo music. Throughout the process, their changes in driving behaviors and vigilance were recorded. Using non-parametric tests, the study examined differences in speed fluctuation, mean deceleration and skin conductance level (SCL) across varying music tempos, as well as the differential effects of music tempo on drivers' handling of distinct speed-limited tasks. RESULTS: The results revealed that playing music in the easier speed-limited task scenario (generic road section) reduced speed fluctuations and enhanced vigilance. In the school zone with a 30 km/h limit, fast tempo music notably reduced both speed fluctuation and mean deceleration while experiencing lower SCL. In the work zone scenario, where the speed-limited task was more challenging, listening to slow tempo music appeared to distract drivers, leading to increased speed fluctuations and deceleration. In contrast, the absence of music was associated with heightened vigilance during this task. Ultimately, while the introduction of music can alleviate physiological stress induced by challenging driving tasks, it may also impair driving behavior. CONCLUSIONS: The findings provide important insights for intelligent driving systems to select appropriate music types based on different driving tasks to enhance driving experience and safety.