The current study examined the effects of music on Hazard Perception – a skill that serves as a proxy for safe driving.
Background
There is contradictory evidence whether or not music engagement leads to decremented driver performance and compromises traffic safety.
Method
In the study, 36 participants performed a standard Video-Based Hazard Perception Test under three aural conditions: Road and Traffic Sounds (RS); RS + Driver-Preferred Music; RS + Alternative Music.
Results
The results show no effect of aural backgrounds (including music) on the situation awareness portion of the driving task.
Conclusion
Music background might affect later stages of the driving task such as response selection and/or response execution (mitigation).
Application
The investigation of human factors related to vehicular control should include how (where) music might trigger failures in perception and/or behaviour.
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