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World · 17 August 2026

Fatal US car crashes rise 15% on days major albums are released

Fatal US car crashes rise 15% on days major albums are released

Harvard Medical School researchers calculate that 182 deaths across ten launch dates could be tied to distracted drivers searching for tracks. The team reviewed national crash data around the massive streaming debuts of artists like Taylor Swift and Drake between 2017 and 2022. Lead author Dr Vishal Patel noted that navigating phone apps takes eyes off the road for several seconds.

Reported by The Guardian · How we write briefs

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How do researchers study crashes? What is 'causation'? Who are 'distracted drivers'? Why are phone apps risky?

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