Allianz Australia is urging parents to prioritise road safety as families prepare to travel during the July school holidays.
Company-commissioned research showed that 86% of parents plan to take trips over the winter break, with a significant number expected to be on the roads in the final week as the holidays conclude.
The insurer’s survey found that driving with children presents unique challenges: 42% of parents described the experience as chaotic, with frequent snack requests (57%) and disputes between siblings (49%) cited as common sources of distraction.
Overall, 73% of respondents admitted they often face distractions that could impact their attention behind the wheel.
The Allianz study also explored how in-car music affects parents’ driving. Nearly four in 10 parents (39%) said they are more likely to speed when listening to energetic music.
Furthermore, 60% reported that the type of children’s music played in the car can influence their driving behaviour.
Certain songs – such as “Baby Shark,” “Wheels on the Bus,” and “Old McDonald’s Farm” – were singled out as particularly distracting by respondents.
Fast-paced tracks, especially those exceeding 120 beats per minute, were found to have a measurable effect on driving performance.
Nearly half of parents surveyed said such music reduced their concentration, with 42% noting an impact on speed, 36% on focus, 31% on alertness, and 22% on reaction time.
Conversely, slower music (60 BPM to 80 BPM) was associated with improved relaxation and focus, with half of parents reporting it helped them stay calm and attentive while driving.
Allianz Australia’s claims data indicated a seasonal increase in motor vehicle collisions during the winter school holidays.
The company reported a $4 million rise in claims costs compared to the autumn period, with total motor claims reaching $48 million for the 2024 winter school holiday season.
The survey also found that 38% of parents feel apprehensive about long drives, and nearly half (49%) admit to zoning out during extended trips, highlighting the need for greater awareness around road safety.
In response to these findings, Allianz Australia has launched the Seat Belters initiative in partnership with Spotify.
This digital tool, available through the Spotify app, curates playlists of slower-tempo songs to help create a calmer driving environment.
The initiative, introduced in May 2025, leverages Spotify’s streaming intelligence to select tracks between 60 BPM and 80 BPM, based on research suggesting that slower music supports better driver focus and reduces the risk of distraction.
Parenting content creator Sophie Pearce, who is currently travelling around Australia with her family, noted that long car journeys can be challenging for parents.
“As a busy mum of three currently travelling around Australia with my family, I know firsthand how chaotic long car trips can get, especially when the kids are tired or hungry. That’s why I love what Allianz is doing with Seat Belters. Having a personalised playlist that keeps the mood mellow makes a real difference, not just for the kids but us parents, too,” she said.
Dr. Andry Rakotonirainy, a road safety expert, said that research supports a link between music tempo and driver distraction.
“Enhanced situational awareness is paramount for road safety. Research, including studies by Allianz, has shown that faster-paced music directly correlates with increased driver distraction, leading to poor decision making. Initiatives like Seat Belters are vital, translating evidence-based research into practical tools that empower drivers to adopt safer habits,” he said.
Allianz Australia general manager Laura Halbert said the company’s goal is to help prevent accidents before they occur, particularly as families return home at the end of the school holidays.
“Allianz is committed to helping Australians prevent accidents before they occur,” she said. “As holidays come to an end, and with the homeward journey in mind, we want to give parents a simple tool to help them stay focused and ensure the safety of their loved ones.”
