diff --git a/lib/game.lua b/lib/game.lua
index 88c2c86..fec3457 100644
--- a/lib/game.lua
+++ b/lib/game.lua
@@ -167,8 +167,10 @@ function Game:toggle_tracks()
     return true
 end
 function Game:update_distance(dt)
-  local d = (dt * self.distance_rate)
-  self.distance = self.distance + d
+  if not self.dead then
+    local d = (dt * self.distance_rate)
+    self.distance = self.distance + d
+  end
 end
 function Game:update_background_speed(dt)
     --