A study published in JAMA Network Open found an approximately 15% increase in traffic deaths on days when major music albums were released, compared with days immediately before and after the releases.
Researchers analyzed fatal crash data and streaming activity from 2017 to 2022, including Bad Bunny’s Un Verano Sin Ti, Taylor Swift’s Midnights and Drake’s Certified Lover Boy.
On average, researchers recorded 139 traffic deaths on album-release days versus 121 on days without major releases, or about 18 additional deaths.
The researchers suggested that increased cellphone use while driving to stream music, select songs or add tracks to playlists could be one possible factor. The increase was more pronounced among younger drivers and people traveling alone.
