Music may be the food of love . But is it also the key to road safety? Nick Freeman, the leading celebrity road traffic lawyer known as Mr Loophole, certainly thinks so.
The 64-year-old solicitor, whose clients include David Beckham and Jeremy Clarkson, believes that listening to the ‘wrong sort of music’ in certain situations behind the wheel can lead to driving dangerously.
So much so that Mr Freeman has now compiled a music playlist which he believes will help motorists drive safely during every aspect of their journey. And he believes it is especially important following the boom in staycations . As uncertainty surrounding foreign travel will see an increase in the number of holiday makers driving to their UK destinations.
He said: “There are so many challenges when we drive – from smart motorways and congestion to the sheer boredom of a long journey. And so, it’s understandable that drivers will want to listen to music to mitigate some of those issues. But listening to the wrong music can have a potentially hazardous impact on the way we drive. Which is why it’s important to have a playlist which will help improve road safety.”
Research has already demonstrated the negative impact of the ‘wrong sort of music’. Scientists at Newfoundland’s Memorial University found that listening to loud music can slow reaction time by as much as 20% when participants listened to loud music. Meanwhile, a study by South China University of Technology revealed that listening to music over 120 BPM correlated with reckless driving – a particular issue for dance music listeners.
Nick Freeman’s list – which spans a broad range of musical taste – has been curated over the many hours he spends on the road.
“I do a lot of long-distance driving,” explains the father of two. “Not only because my work takes me all over the country but also because I suffer from horrendous motion sickness. So, I won’t travel anywhere unless I can drive myself. It means I spend a lot of time listening to music and have come to understand how important it is to have the right sort of music to match the situations you may find yourself in when you drive.”
Ironically when first setting off on a long journey, Nick advocates complete silence.
“You need to get into the rhythm of the journey. You need to be calm, you need to collect your thoughts. Then when you have a bit of journey under way then you kick off with something to ease you into the journey.”
So at the beginning of long stint behind the wheel he recommends Adele’s Set Fire to the Rain or Marvin Gaye’s Heard it through the Grapevine since these are mellow, easy on the ear tunes.
Each entry on his playlist takes motorists through all aspects of the journey including how to keep calm after the sat nav takes the driver on an unwelcome detour
“Sat Navs can be infuriating (though you mustn’t mess with one when driving –if you have an accident, that could be an aggravating factor depending on what happens because of your distraction), that’s why it’s vital to have the right sort of music to deflect the stress and your rising blood pressure. So you need something to absorb you without distracting you from your driving. Something with a bit of an emotional resonance so that you become affiliated with the song – that’s why I like James Morrison and Nelly Furtado’s Broken Strings It’s a song about a fractured relationship and such a powerful minor key melody -m it has a calming yet absorbing effect.”
And what about when you get really bored?
“Oh, then you definitely need something with a story – that, way it takes you away from tedium of the drive but without being distracted. I listen to that old tragic tale of revenge, Kenny Rogers Coward of the Country. I find it riveting every time.”
As for that temptation to speed Nick urges music that’s soulful, beautiful and with a melody that will pull you back from putting your foot down, such as Shallow by Lady Gaga
“You live in the moment of a song like that so temptation is removed.”
Since Nick travels everywhere with his loyal Staffy, George, he even suggests a song for settling a pet in the car.
“Dogs need to be calm and secure and not in a mood that will cause distraction to the drive. A lot of cars have surround speakers and when Pink Floyd’s Great Gig in the Sky comes on, it fills the car – George seems utterly absorbed!”
As Britain takes to the roads with further lifting of restrictions and an end to lockdown, Nick hopes his playlist will enhance the driving experience for those who get behind the wheel.
As a supporter of Northern Air hospital radio in Manchester Nick has recorded an show for the station (available on the internet) featuring all the songs.
“When you get in the car you are the master of your own destiny . If you prepare properly with the right music, it raises the odds of having a safe and enjoyable journey.”
MR LOOPHOLES ROAD SAFETY PLAYLIST.
#For when you set out
Set Fire to the Rain – Adele
#For keeping calm temperament as you hit early traffic
Heard it Through the Grapevine – Marvin Gaye
# For when the Sat Nav takes you the wrong way
Broken Wings – James Morrison/Nelly Furtado
#For when you’re bored
Coward of the County – Kenny Rogers
# For avoiding the temptation to speed
Shallow – Lady Gaga
# For an after lunch pick up when you still have ages to go
500 miles – The Proclaimers
#For distracting your dog
Pink Flood – Great gig in the sky
# For Travelling with kids
I’ve got a feeling – black eyed peas
# For when everyone is asleep, and you can get a bit of peace and quiet
Nessun Dorma – Pavarotti
You can listen to Nick’s Road Safety Play List interview by clicking the link below:
About Freeman & Co.
Freeman & Co. are a specialist firm of road traffic and criminal defence solicitors based in Manchester but with nationwide coverage.
Freeman & Co. specialise in a wide variety of road traffic cases, ranging from drink driving, speeding and mobile phone offences, to name but a few.
The firm was created by Nick Freeman, who has been dubbed “Mr Loophole” by the press for his technical legal ability and robustly challenging the prosecution.
Nick is well regarded as an expert road traffic lawyer and has successfully represented many high profile clients for a variety of motoring offences as well as criminal offences.
The firm of Freeman & Co. embodies the way Nick works, with minute attention to detail and challenging the prosecution at every turn.
If you are facing a road traffic matter or criminal offence and need the services of Freeman & Co. please call on 0161 236 7007.
Freeman & Co. are available for Police Station attendances and an experienced criminal lawyer is on hand to take your call.
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Our Details
Freeman & Co Solicitors
8 Oxford Court
Manchester
M2 3WQ
Tel. 0161 236 7007
