Crafting a Spotify playlist for our summer Drive Safe, Arrive Safe campaign was a surprisingly nostalgic experience. It took me back to my teenage years, sitting patiently by the radio with my trusty tape recorder, eagerly waiting to capture the latest chart-topper for my mixtape. Thankfully, creating a playlist today is far simpler—no radio or tape recorder required, just a Spotify account and some inspiration.
But why create a playlist specifically for driving? It’s not just about fun tunes; it’s about safe, focused driving.
Music and Driving: What’s the Connection?
As part of the RYDA program, through our Mind Matters topic, students explore how music influences driving. The tempo, lyrics, and even the emotional impact of a song can all affect your focus and behaviour behind the wheel. For new drivers or during stressful driving conditions, it’s often best to skip the music altogether to stay fully attentive.
On the other hand, studies show that the right music can reduce stress and help drivers stay focused. It all comes down to choosing wisely. (For more insights, check out our Music and Driving blog.)
With summer road trips on the horizon, we wanted to inspire our community to create playlists that are fun, relaxing, and road-friendly. That’s why I curated a sample playlist as a starting point.
Our Criteria for the Perfect Driving Playlist
Here’s what I aimed for when building my road trip playlist:
- Tempo: All songs had to be under 120 beats per minute (bpm) to encourage calm, focused driving. I used SongBPM to check this.
- Broad Appeal: A mix of old and new tracks to suit a variety of tastes and generations.
- Appropriate Lyrics: Family-friendly songs suitable for all ages.
- Duration: About 2 hours long, encouraging drivers to take a break after this time.
The Process: Building the Playlist
To create the playlist, I kept one browser tab open with the bpm checker and another with Spotify. I searched for favourite artists, current Top 40 hits, and timeless classics that would resonate with students and adults alike.
After compiling a list of “liked” songs on Spotify, I reviewed each one, checking its tempo and ensuring it fit seamlessly into the playlist. Some surprises came up—songs I thought would be alright were too fast, while others didn’t fit the vibe and had to be replaced.
Feedback from the Team
To refine the playlist, I shared it with colleagues for a test drive. One staff member raised an interesting concern: some songs might be too familiar or popular, leading to enthusiastic singalongs—which could be distracting while driving! This feedback got me thinking perhaps the perfect playlist strikes a balance between enjoyable and low-distraction tunes.
The Final Playlist
The final playlist is ready for your next summer road trip. Whether you use it as is or as inspiration for your own mix, the goal is the same: create a soundtrack that makes the journey safer and more enjoyable then set it before you start the car and keep it at a reasonable volume so you can keep your hands on the wheel, eyes on the road and ears attuned to everything around you.
Check it out here: Spotify Road Trip Playlist
What do you think? Do you feel inspired to curate your own driving playlist? Give it a try and set yourself up for a smooth, focused, and enjoyable long drive.
Safe travels!
