
Illinois Radio Host Dares You to Drive to This Playlist
Thank you, Vice.com, for confirming what we all already knew.
Sometimes it’s not you. It’s the song.

There’s actual science behind that “why am I suddenly going 12 over on I-90?” moment. Research shows music over 120 beats per minute can increase speeding and sudden lane changes. One study even suggests music is a factor in about 25% of traffic accidents.
So naturally… I’ve decided to test this.
On the show, I’m playing the 10 “most likely to get you pulled over” songs in a row so Rockford can evaluate the science in real time. You’re welcome, Illinois State Police.
MORE: Biggest Reasons Rockford Drivers Are the Worst in Illinois
The Science of Speeding and Songs
High BPM. High energy. Big hooks.
Your brain locks onto the beat.
Your right foot becomes impressionable.
It’s not rebellion. It’s rhythm!
The 10 Songs Science Says Could Get You Pulled Over
According to Vice.com’s breakdown of streaming hits and BPM analysis, here they are:
- “Lose Yourself” – Eminem
- “Believer” – Imagine Dragons
- “Can’t Hold Us” – Macklemore ft. Ray Dalton
- “Don’t Start Now” – Dua Lipa
- “There’s Nothing Holdin’ Me Back” – Shawn Mendes
- “Seven” – Jung Kook ft. Latto
- “goosebumps” – Travis Scott
- “Stressed Out” – Twenty One Pilots
- “Without Me” – Eminem
- “Thunder” – Imagine Dragons
(Full breakdown via Vice.com.)
MORE: Open Letter to Illinois Drivers Who Do This to Others at Red Lights
The Songs That Personally Ruin My Speedometer
And then there’s mine.
- “All My Life” – Foo Fighters
- “Fire Woman” – The Cult
- “I Would Die 4 U” / “Baby, I’m a Star” – Prince
- “How Deep Is Your Love” – Calvin Harris & Disciples
- “Thinking About You” – Calvin Harris & Ayah Marar
Calvin Harris is my weakness. Those lush EDM builds make me feel like I’m driving a million-dollar sports car… not a Midwestern dad vehicle with cup holders full of receipts.
So, if you get pulled over this week?
Blame science.
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