The popularity of audiobooks is on the rise, with a staggering 275% increase in global searches for “best audiobooks for road trips” over the past quarter. From viral sensations on TikTok to timeless classics, more drivers are filling their travel playlists with audible reading material. However, experts caution that while audiobooks can enhance road trips, there is a limit to how much information drivers can absorb without compromising their focus on the road.
Recent studies have highlighted the risks associated with distracted driving, identifying it as a significant contributor to accidents and dangerous driving behavior. To understand which audiobooks might be particularly distracting, Nationwide Vehicle Contracts analyzed the average words per minute (WPM) of the 50 most popular audiobooks available on Spotify. Their findings reveal which audiobooks could pose the greatest distraction for drivers.
According to the study, the upper limit for comfortable listening and comprehension while driving is around 150-160 WPM. Audiobooks that exceed this threshold demand more concentration and can divert attention from driving. The following list showcases the ten most popular audiobooks that exceed this WPM range, making them potentially distracting for drivers:
Most Distracting Audiobooks for Drivers
- “Icebreaker” by Hannah Grace – 189 WPM
- “It Starts With Us” by Colleen Hoover – 188 WPM
- “Everything I Know About Love” by Dolly Alderton – 184 WPM
- “A Court of Thorns and Roses” by Sarah J. Maas – 182 WPM
- “A Court of Wings and Ruin” by Sarah J. Maas – 181 WPM
- “It Ends With Us” by Colleen Hoover – 167 WPM
- “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” by Douglas Adams – 164 WPM
- “Yellowface” by Rebecca F Kuang – 164 WPM
- “Funny Story” by Emily Henry – 164 WPM
- “Fairy Tale” by Stephen King – 163 WPM
The audiobook “Icebreaker” by Hannah Grace tops the list with an average of 189 WPM, making it the most distracting audiobook for drivers. Despite its popularity on TikTok, particularly among young adults, its rapid pace could be more suited for home listening rather than during a commute.
Colleen Hoover’s “It Starts With Us,” a prequel to her highly praised “It Ends With Us,” follows closely behind with 188 WPM. Although it has gained traction due to a film adaptation starring Blake Lively, its high word count per minute and intense themes make it a potential distraction while driving.
Romance novels dominate the list of distracting audiobooks. With their often emotional and dramatic narratives, these books may require more focus, which can be problematic when driving. According to Keith Hawes, Director at Nationwide Vehicle Contracts, “It’s crucial to maintain full concentration while driving to ensure both your safety and that of others on the road. Distracted driving can result in serious penalties, including a £100 fine and three points on your license, with the maximum penalty reaching nine points and a £5,000 fine for more severe cases.”
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For drivers looking to enjoy audiobooks safely, Hawes recommends choosing titles with a slower pace or listening when the vehicle is stationary. Balancing entertainment with road safety is essential to prevent distractions and ensure a safe driving experience.
