The Five Most Dangerous Songs to Drive to, According to Science

If you have ever caught yourself accidentally speeding because a song came on a little too strong, science says you are not imagining it.

A new study suggests that certain popular songs can actually make you drive faster and take more risks behind the wheel, all because of their tempo.

Researchers at the South China University of Technology looked at how music affects driving behavior and found that songs with a tempo of 120 beats per minute or higher can encourage drivers to speed up and drive more aggressively.

Translation: If the song makes you want to drum on the steering wheel, it might also make your foot heavier on the gas.

According to the study, these are the most dangerous songs to drive to:

  1. “American Idiot” by Green Day
  2. “Party in the USA” by Miley Cyrus
  3. “Mr. Brightside” by The Killers
  4. “Don’t Let Me Down” by The Chainsmokers
  5. “Born to Run” by Bruce Springsteen

The common thread here is speed. Fast tempos can raise your heart rate and adrenaline, making you more likely to drive faster without realizing it. The researchers say it is not about the genre, it is about how your brain responds to the rhythm.


On the flip side, the study also identified songs that are far less likely to turn your commute into a Fast and Furious audition.

Least dangerous songs to drive to:

  1. “Location” by Khalid
  2. “Stairway to Heaven” by Led Zeppelin
  3. “Under the Bridge” by Red Hot Chili Peppers
  4. “God’s Plan” by Drake
  5. “Africa” by Toto

Of course, this does not mean you need to delete half your music library. It just means being aware of how music can influence your mood and behavior. If you are cruising on the highway or stuck in traffic, a calmer playlist might help keep both your speed and your blood pressure in check.

So maybe save “Mr. Brightside” for karaoke night, and let “Africa” guide you safely home.

The Most Dangerous Foods in America

Is your fridge harboring a hidden health risk? A new report from Consumer Reports lists the top 10 foods most commonly linked to serious foodborne illness in the U.S.—and many of them are everyday staples.

The list is based on federal food safety data from last year, ranking foods not by their inherent danger but by how frequently they were involved in outbreaks that led to hospitalizations or deaths. The usual suspects behind these illnesses? Three familiar pathogens: salmonella, listeria, and E. coli.

Here’s what made the list:

  1. Deli Meats – Topping the list, pre-sliced meats were linked to 87 hospitalizations and 10 deaths. Listeria is often the culprit, thriving in cold, ready-to-eat foods.
  2. Cucumbers – Despite no recorded deaths, cucumbers caused a surprising 173 hospitalizations. They’ve been connected to major salmonella outbreaks in recent years. Including one that’s currently ongoing.
  3. Raw Milk and Raw Milk Cheeses – These unpasteurized dairy products were responsible for 29 emergency room visits. Health officials continue to warn against their use due to frequent contamination.
  4. Queso Fresco and Cotija Cheese – These popular Mexican cheeses caused two deaths and 23 hospitalizations. Listeria contamination is a known risk.
  5. Eggs – Often a salmonella carrier, eggs landed 34 people in the hospital.
  6. Onions – Linked to one death and 34 hospitalizations, onions have been involved in large-scale recalls due to E. coli and salmonella.
  7. Leafy Greens – A healthy staple that can be dangerous if contaminated. Last year, they were tied to one death and 36 hospitalizations.
  8. Organic Carrots – Often eaten raw, organic carrots were connected to one death and 20 hospitalizations.
  9. Organic Basil – A newer entry on the list, this herb caused four hospitalizations, underscoring that even garnishes can pose a risk.
  10. Pre-Cooked Meats – Including frozen burritos and deli salads, these items made the list due to frequent recalls—not necessarily due to confirmed illness, but because of their risk profile.

It’s important to note that none of these foods are “always” dangerous. But their history of contamination suggests they require more careful handling, preparation, and regulation. Washing produce, avoiding unpasteurized dairy, and keeping ready-to-eat meats properly stored can reduce your risk.

As food safety continues to be a concern, especially with rising numbers of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, knowing what to watch for is more important than ever.

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