Allianz Ireland has leveraged Spotify to launch a new data-driven initiative that helps drivers take control of their mindset behind the wheel, simply by changing the beat.
Studies show that music can have a direct influence on how we drive. Songs with a fast tempo (over 120 beats per minute) can subconsciously encourage drivers to speed up and change lanes much more often. In contrast, music that matches the average resting heart rate (around 60–80 BPM) is associated with calmer, more focused driving.
The idea taps into growing public awareness: According to a nationally representative survey commissioned by Allianz Ireland in April 2025, over half of Irish adults believe that listening to music impacts how they drive. This belief is especially strong among younger adults (Gen Z), the group most likely to stream music while behind the wheel.
Research shows increased heart rate variability, higher mental workload, and more erratic driving patterns in response to faster music, making them particularly suited to benefit from a more mindful music curation approach.
That’s why Allianz has turned to Spotify to launch ‘Seat Belters’, an in-app experience tool that creates a personalised playlist, based on the user’s listening history, but with a lower beat per minute, for better driving.
A Soundtrack Designed for the Drive, that you’ll love
Whether it’s a school run or a road trip, music sets the tone. Allianz’ and Spotify’s new campaign on Spotify feature helps drivers tune into a more mindful, more aware pace that is just as enjoyable, for better driving.
Each playlist is unique, leveraging Spotify’s unique streaming intelligence, but filtered for music in a calmer tempo range (60–80 BPM).
Mark Brennan, Chief Marketing Officer at Allianz Ireland, said:
“This initiative is about promoting a better driving experience by influencing driver behaviour through music. The music we listen to can significantly affect our mood and actions, so why not harness this to encourage better driving habits? We’re thrilled to work with Spotify on this groundbreaking international campaign, offering an experience tool that is not only practical and enjoyable but also personalised, with the potential to reduce road accidents.”
Seat Belters will be promoted to Spotify’s free-tier users via in-app ads and shared on social media. To bring this science to life, Allianz has also launched Dashboard Drumming, a social video activation pairing legendary drummer Stewart Copeland (The Police) with science content creator Big Manny. In a parked car, they use nothing but a dashboard and a drumbeat to demonstrate how changing tempo affects mindset, mood, and ultimately driving behaviour, making BPM instantly relatable and shareable. It’s a fun but powerful way to show how we respond to rhythm behind the wheel.
Start Your Better Driving Soundtrack.
To create your personalised playlist, visit: open.spotify.com/site/allianz
