The ultimate trucking playlist: Music that’s proven to keep you awake on the road

Music is about as close to real magic as you can get on this planet, don’t you think? It holds amazing power to transform the way we think, feel, and behave. It brings people together, tells stories, and celebrates the good times. It also allows us to truly feel the difficult times in a way that can be healing. And for trucking, music is key to staying awake sometimes.

By honing some of music’s incredible capabilities, we can use it to help us stay awake and focused. Ways of staying awake and focused are important for every long-haul truck driver.

Here, we’re dancing along to the science of music. We’ll learn how to create the perfect truck-driving playlist that can help keep you safe and alert while on the road.

The science of music and alertness

Not only have humans made and listened to music for millennia (some 35,000 years according to the Smithsonian), but it’s a widely studied topic, too. There has been a lot of research conducted on music. Much of the research proves the transformative effects music has on our emotions, cognition, and overall well-being.

But two interesting studies in particular are important for drivers. The first outlines relaxing music’s ability to reduce mental fatigue when performing repetitive tasks. A second study found “high-intensity, high-tempo, more danceable” music to be a viable short-term countermeasure to driving fatigue.

How music when behind the wheel helps drivers stay awake

Being behind the wheel for 60 hours a week can lead to a search for ways to stay alert. But science tells us that the magic formula lies in a well-curated playlist.

Of course—and perhaps most importantly—healthy habits play a massive role in feeling awake and energized, too. Music is simply a fun and effective way to supplement those other aspects of a healthy lifestyle to help you focus on the road until your next nap stop!

Tips for customizing your on-the-road playlist (and suggestions to get you started)

Before we jump into some jovial jams, we want to share three tips to make your in-the-truck music listening as convenient and safe as possible:

Use popular streaming services

Popular music streaming platforms offer a vast selection of music — and lots of curated playlists for all types of moods. If you want to save yourself some time, try searching one of these platforms for keywords like “energized” or “focused” to find playlists that suit that mood.

Also, take advantage of features like offline downloads to ensure you always have access to music, even in areas with poor reception. Nothing is worse than your music cutting out when you’re in the heat of belting out your favorite chorus.

Use voice commands for safety

Most mobile devices these days have some form of virtual assistant or voice command technology. Use it to switch songs, adjust the volume, or search for new music hands-free. This goes without saying, but your phone should never be in your hands while you’re driving.

Regularly update your playlist

Music burnout is real. After listening to the same playlist for a while, your brain may start tuning out familiar songs. To help mitigate this, regularly adding new tracks or revisiting older favorites can help maintain the mental stimulation you need for safe driving.

If you’ve never searched for pre-made playlists before, allow us to introduce you to a few for various tastes:

• Happy Drive: This playlist includes feel-good songs from artists such as MGMT, Paramore, John Mayer, Harry Styles, and more.
• Rock Drive: Are you a fan of rock? This playlist is brimming with classic and modern rock stars to get you in the headbanging mood, including Nirvana, Green Day, Greta Van Fleet, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Pearl Jam, and tons more.
• Country Road Trip Mix: Johnny Cash, Noah Kahan, Dolly Parton, James Taylor—there’s nothing not to love about this relaxing country mix to keep your eyes fixed on the road.
• Boom Bap Focus: Spotify describes this one as “Instrumental beats from (and influenced by) Hip-Hop’s golden era.” If that sounds like your cup of tea, this playlist is sure to satisfy. Oh, and there are no lyrics if that’s something that helps you stay focused on the task at hand.

If your taste is different from some of these playlists, don’t worry! There are thousands of pre-made playlists out there. Search for the vibe or genre you’re aiming for and something is sure to present itself. And of course, you can always create your own playlist for a truly curated experience.

Other audio options: Podcasts and audiobooks

Music is a great first option when it comes to long-distance driving; it’s ample, it’s upbeat (at least the kind you should be listening to on the road), but sometimes you need a break from it. Enter other forms of audio entertainment: podcasts and audiobooks.

These forms of media can break up the monotony of constant music, which may help keep your brain engaged differently and prevent auditory fatigue. Rotate between music and spoken/conversational content throughout the day or week to develop a routine that works well for you.

Audio content beyond music for truckers to help stay alert

If you’ve never dabbled in this world of audio content, here are some suggestions to get you started:

• Thrillers and suspense audiobooks: These gripping stories do a great job of holding your attention as the plot thickens, twists, and turns.
• Comedy podcasts: Laughter is a great way to stay awake and boost your mood on the road, and comedy podcasts with your favorite comedians (there are a lot) are a great source for that.
• Educational content: Learning something new helps keep your mind stimulated. Choose audio shows and books that discuss topics you’re interested in but aren’t too complex, as anything too heavy could lead to tedium.
• True crime: True crime stories have a unique way of pulling you in and keeping you invested as the mystery unfolds—and there are thousands of great true crime audiobooks and podcasts out there.
• Motivational and self-improvement content: Podcasts and audiobooks in this self-help genre force you to become introspective, which can help keep your mind awake and engaged.

The past 10 years or so have represented a seismic boom in the development of audio content. And while there are so many forms of entertainment available to stream nowadays, audio content is the only form of entertainment appropriate to enjoy while driving. This boom in audio content development is a great thing for truck drivers. There’s never been more stuff to listen to to help make your long journeys a little less monotonous.

Driving into the proverbial sunset with alertness

Beating highway hypnosis is no easy feat — especially on those longer excursions. However, music and other forms of audio entertainment are great tools for truckers. Keep music in your tool belt to supplement their other healthy habits and routines.

High-tempo and even relaxing music can do wonders for concentration and alertness. So, if you find yourself needing a little pick-me-up halfway through your journey and your afternoon coffee can’t kick you into high gear, push play on your favorite playlist.

Learn more on how to better manage your over-the-road fleet:

• Fuel card FAQs
• Fraud prevention
• Safety tips
• Tax prep

All fleet cards are not the same, and different types of fuel cards suit the needs of different kinds and sizes of businesses. View WEX’s fleet card comparison chart to see which fleet fuel card is right for you.

Apply for a fleet card today!