New studies show that fast or loud music is one of the many distractions causing danger to drivers today.

Keeping your eyes on the road doesn’t seem that difficult, but new studies suggest that different kinds of music effect driver’s ability to focus and their reaction speeds. Research released on the 23rd of March, 2008, revealed that more than a third (36%), of UK drivers has had an accident or a ‘near miss’ as a result of distractions this year. The UK's Department for Transport have released information that driver unawareness now accounts for 12% of all accidents and 19% of specifically fatal accidents.

In a survey, carried out by Virgin Money Car Insurance, over two thirds, that’s 68%, of people admitted to sometimes being distracted while driving. Changing the radio station or changing songs on an iPod while driving could easily lead to people having to make claims on their car insurance, but it is actually the type of music which drivers listen to which researchers in Israel have discovered affects driving ability.

Researchers at the Ben-Gurion University in Beer-Sheva revealed that drivers who were listening to up-tempo music had two times as many accidents as those listening to slower tracks. Drivers listening to faster music were also twice as likely to go through a red light and break speed limits. The studies showed that loud music was also dangerous because it impaired driver reaction times.

A fifth of people in the Virgin survey said they had used hand-held mobile phone while driving, the same number also claimed to use a hands-free device and a quarter (24%) of the drivers surveyed said they’d read a map. Nearly 1 in 10 women (8%) admitted to applying make-up or brushing their hair while behind the wheel.

Researchers have also found that a minority of Brits, just 17% think driving laws are already too strict while the majority of British drivers said there is a serious need for drivers to take more care and concentrate more while driving.

An unofficial guide to the DMV (The US equivalent to the DVLA) can be found online and the website makes some good points about driving distractions and offers simple advice which could help drivers to keep their attention on the road. The website lists a number of elements which distract drivers and poses solutions which could help remove the risks which they create. A small section on cognitive distraction says that sometimes drivers look but they don’t see.

“Maybe you didn't know it, but if you have ever caught yourself daydreaming or spacing out,[while driving] then you have been in a trance.” The website says. “Worry is another cognitive distraction rooted in emotions and thoughts.” The site advises drivers to really try to refocus. “Pull over and stretch your legs.” The site suggests. “Take a few deep breaths. Talk yourself back into focus.”