Major album drops linked to surge in traffic deaths, study finds

A study in JAMA Network Open reports a 15% rise in US traffic fatalities on days major new albums are released, linked to increased phone use as people stream music. Using FARS crash data and Spotify streaming, researchers analyzed a 10-day window around releases (e.g., Taylor Swift, Drake, Bad Bunny) and found higher deaths, especially among younger, solo drivers. While mechanisms remain uncertain, findings suggest distraction from phones and car infotainment systems may contribute to the uptick, highlighting how music streaming can impact driving safety.