The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) states there are four main factors that cause people to speed: traffic, running late, anonymity, and disregard for others and for the law (did they conduct this study in Phoenix?!). I propose adding music to that list because I know from experience that there are certain songs that make me drive faster.

“Dani California” by the Red Hot Chili Peppers

I first became aware of this behind the wheel of my second car, a 1998 Acura Integra LS sedan. It was the summer of 2006. As an early college graduation present (I’d get my diploma in December), my parents bought me a ticket to Europe to visit my dad’s brother in Munich and baby sister in Vienna.

Shortly before I had to head to the airport, I was driving back home from somewhere (the grocery store? It doesn’t matter now) on a curvy road listening to the tragic story of Dani California by the Red Hot Chili Peppers. I’m a sucker for a good guitar solo, so when John Frusciante started the long outro, I pinned the throttle through the curve ahead. My Integra only had a 142-horsepower 1.8-liter four-banger and a four-speed automatic, but it was definitely exciting in that moment. Twenty years later, “Dani California” still gets my heart rate up.

“In the Air Tonight” by Phil Collins

I have a feeling that I’m not the only one who gets a little more lead-footed when this song is playing. Whereas “Dani California” has a consistent pace and energy, this song has two distinct portions. The majority of it is calm, thinly veiled anger, but it builds to Phil Collin’s legendary drum fill and more pronounced percussion and vocals. Every time that part of the song hits, I hope there’s no traffic ahead because it’s impossible for me not to push the gas a little harder.

“Song From An American Movie” by Everclear

I listened to Everclear a lot in high school and college. Now that I’m in my 40s, re-listening to their songs takes me back to those days. As a husband, father, and someone who’s lived more of life than my teenage/20-something self, I also have a greater appreciation for lead singer Art Alexakis being so open about his outlook, relationships, and love for his children. He covers all three in the bittersweet “Song From An American Movie.” But Everclear is a rock band, so when the guitar solo starts at 2:52, it’s not only expected but also fitting. It’s a release of the emotions building up to that point, which leads to my own catharsis through my right foot.

What about you? Which songs make you drive faster? Tell us by posting a comment below.