The Impact of Emotional Music on Driving Fatigue: Insights from a New Study

September 17, 2025 - 07:58

A recent study explored how varying emotional background music influences driving fatigue during a simulated 60-minute driving experience. Researchers aimed to understand the dual-phase effects of music on alertness and fatigue, utilizing pupillometry as a measurement tool.

Participants were subjected to different emotional music genres while navigating the simulation, allowing researchers to assess changes in pupil size, which is an indicator of cognitive load and emotional engagement. The findings revealed that specific types of music could either delay the onset of fatigue or enhance alertness, suggesting that emotional music plays a significant role in maintaining driver focus over extended periods.

This research highlights the potential for using carefully selected emotional music to combat fatigue during long drives, ultimately contributing to road safety. By understanding the relationship between music and cognitive performance, drivers may be better equipped to manage fatigue, leading to safer driving conditions.