I was quite late to driving, I passed my test when I was 28. Then I only started driving regularly at 43! I am 44 now. Consequently, I felt like I had years to make up for because of this. Basically, I wanted it all straight away, the fluffy dice, to name my car (Valiant in case you wondered!) and most importantly compile the perfect soundtrack for driving.

There is nothing quite like that freedom you have when you’re on the open road with your favourite tunes playing. What I hadn’t realized was that the music you pick can actually have an impact on how you drive. Let’s where the Kia Drive Style Playlist Campaign comes in. They wanted us to share what music we listen to on our different types of journeys.

Kia had already published in house data which revealed that classical music, such as Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9, could make drivers up to four times more efficient in an all-electric Kia EV6. So if you drive electric cars that might be something worth considering when making your own playlist.

My Driving Playlist

I drive two hours a day in my job in a letting agent getting to and from work. Sometimes it can be more than that when I have to do viewings as well.  So, I am on the road a fair bit! I enjoy listening to music to keep me entertained.

Apparently faster music can make you drive faster! Maybe this is why I never try and listen to the radio when they are gearing up for the going out evening tunes. Although when I am stuck behind a car doing 30 in a 60 (which seems to happen a lot lately!), I would love to wave a magic wand and take control of their playlist for something more upbeat just to see if that would jig them along so I could get home in a reasonable time.

Music To Keep Calm

Sometimes I have to take my children to school and the music can help block out their bickering!!! Background noise is thought to improve concentration and I need every trick going when my teenage boys are at each other’s throats!

I really enjoy listening to Snow Patrol Chasing Cars which is my favourite song. It was the song my husband and I listened to when we first started dating and it makes me feel happy. If I am stuck in traffic, it can help me relax listening to that particular song as it makes me feel nostalgic.

It also tends to ease the growing frustration when facing the fifth set of red traffic lights! I think they are doing ALL the improvements on my stretch of road to work this winter… I know its important that the road is well maintained but sometimes you feel like the traffic lights have it in for you!!!

Background Music Only For Me

I never play music particularly loud, its more a background thing. My eldest will try his best to keep turning up the volume if he gets half a chance. But I don’t want the distraction of music blaring out too loud! Some studies have found that listening to rock music can make you change lanes more regularly. Heavy metal and rock are considered the biggest distractions. Luckily for my driving, I don’t like listening to Linkin Park, Slipnot or Korn or anything like that when driving or otherwise. That kind of music gives me a headache. My level of rock would be Texas! Which seems so tame in comparison. I love In Demand as I saw Texas in concert years ago with my bestie.

I want music to help chill me out when I am on the road. However, there is one danger listening to music you really enjoy when you drive. Apparently, you are more likely to have your attention on that music and not on what is going on around you on the road! Let’s be honest if it’s a tune you love you can’t help but rock your head along to the music or join in singing. All of which tends to take your focus away from driving.

Family Road Trip

For the family road trip my husband tends to drive which might explain why the music is more likely to be Prodigy with a bit of Firestarter or Breathe. The tempo is a bit faster much like his driving. I like the music, but it wouldn’t be on my playlist when I am behind the wheel.

Other times we just listen to the charts on Radio 1. But my youngest sometimes likes to join in singing which causes the eldest to fly into a rage… which adds to the fun of the drive I can tell you! Then it’s just one distraction after another until family peace and harmony is restored. I haven’t tried classical music yet, which is thought to calm children, that might be something to experiment with on a future drive!

I would love to hear what songs feature on your driving playlist, if you fancy leaving a comment below.

This post is a collaboration with Kia, but all thoughts and experiences are my own