The Most Dangerous Christmas Songs To Drive To
As Christmas 2024 approaches, the usual jingles and feel-good Christmas songs will be played throughout the holiday season. However, did you know that some Christmas songs are more likely to increase dangerous driving behaviors than others?
A scientific study by the South China University Of Technology found that songs with a BPM of over 120 lead to more dangerous driving habits, which can lead to an increased chance of a road accident. BPM (beats per minute) can be defined as the pace of music, which is measured by the number of beats in a 60 second window.
In the interests of keeping drivers safe this Christmas, Insuranceopedia analyzed Christmas number 1 hits and their BPMs to identify the Christmas songs which are the most dangerous to listen to on the road.
The Most Dangerous Christmas Songs To Drive To
1. Frosty The Snowman
This well-known Christmas song tops our list as the most dangerous Christmas song to drive to. This tune has a BPM of 172, which has both mental and physical effects that can lower your ability to drive safely.
2. All I Want For Christmas Is You
Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas Is You” is arguably the most popular Christmas song of all time, but it is also a dangerous song to drive to, as it has a BPM of 150.
3. Feliz Navidad
One of the most feel-good Christmas songs, ‘Feliz Navidad’ is played the world over in the lead up to the holidays. However, with a BPM of 149, it comes in just below Mariah Carey’s hit classic, as the 3rd most dangerous Christmas song to listen to.
4. Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town
A Christmas song that always gets people up on their feet, this festive hit will be played across radios all over the world this year. However, it does have the potential to lead to an increase in car accidents, as the song has a BPM of 147.
5. Happy Xmas (War Is Over)
Our study reveals that John Lennon’s festive song ‘Happy Xmas (War Is Over)’ is the 5th most dangerous song to drive to, with a BPM of 146. This takes the song over the “safe” limit of 120 BPMs, which could lead to more dangerous driving actions.
6. Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!
This festive hit has several adaptations, due to its immense popularity over the holiday season. However, what you might not know is that it is also one of the songs most likely to cause an accident on the road, as it has a BPM of 143.
7. Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer
A song which tells the story of everyone’s favorite reindeer, this festive classic has a BPM of 142, making it the 7th most dangerous Christmas song to drive to, according to our study.
8. I Wish It Could Be Christmas Every Day
Coming in at #8 in our list, this popular Christmas sing-a-long / Karaoke classic has a BPM of 140. Although a firm favorite on Christmas radio stations, this song could cause effects on the body and mind which can lead to a decline in safe driving habits.
9. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
At #9 in our study is ‘Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas’. Although a familiar favorite around the holiday season, it is also a particularly dangerous song to drive to, as it has a BPM of 137.
10. I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus
Last, but not least, is ‘I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus’, The hit classic by the Jackson 5. This song comes in at 10th on our list of the most dangerous songs to drive to this Christmas in 2023.
Whether you listen to one of the 10 songs above, or any other Christmas songs when you’re driving this holiday season, please make sure to drive carefully and safely.
Top 10 Most Dangerous Christmas Songs To Drive To This Holiday Season
| Position | Christmas Song | BPM |
| 1 | Frosty The Snowman | 172 |
| 2 | All I Want For Christmas Is You | 150 |
| 3 | Feliz Navidad | 149 |
| 4 | Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town | 147 |
| 5 | Happy Xmas (War is Over) | 146 |
| 6 | Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! | 143 |
| 7 | Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer | 142 |
| 8 | I Wish it Could be Christmas Every Day | 140 |
| 9 | Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas | 137 |
| 10 | I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus | 129 |
Our Methodology
Insuranceopedia recorded the BPMs of every Christmas song classic. The 10 songs with the highest BPMs were then ordered accordingly in our study. We also used research from the South China University of Technology as a basis for this study. This research suggested that songs with BPMs over 120 had psychological & cardiovascular effects which increased the likelihood of dangerous driving, which can lead to increased accidents on the road.
Looking To Stay Safe On The Road?
If you’re thinking about upgrading your car insurance to increase your coverage this holiday season, then you can rely on us to guide you to the right policy. Whether you just want to check that you have adequate coverage in case of an accident, or you just want to learn more about your options, you can rely on us to help you.
