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The Christmas Songs You Should Avoid Listening To While Driving—Experts Warn Of Dangerous Tunes

Could your favorite Christmas songs be making you a dangerous driver? Find out which holiday hits to avoid behind the wheel this season!

Sophia
The Christmas Songs You Should Avoid Listening To While Driving—Experts Warn Of Dangerous Tunes

It’s that time of year again—when Christmas music takes over the airwaves, playlists, and shopping malls, creating the perfect soundtrack to our holiday season. Whether it’s Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” Wham!’s “Last Christmas,” or the catchy jingles of other festive classics, these songs fill the air with joy, warmth, and nostalgia.

But, as much as we love these iconic tunes, not all Christmas music is as innocent as it seems—especially when you’re behind the wheel.

According to experts, some of our favorite holiday songs can have an unexpected and potentially dangerous side effect: altering your state of mind while driving. Research from the South China University of Technology reveals that songs with higher beats per minute (BPM) can influence our psychological and cardiovascular state, potentially increasing the risk of accidents.

So, while it’s tempting to blast “Feliz Navidad” or sing along to “Jingle Bell Rock” during your holiday road trips, it’s important to be aware that some songs can distract you or cause heightened stress. If you’re aiming to stay safe on the road this holiday season, reconsider which Christmas tunes make the cut for your driving playlist.

A festive mood should never come at the cost of safety!

As the holidays draw near, Christmas music is everywhere—on the radio, at parties, and in the car as we rush around town.

But what many of us don’t realize is that the beats of our favorite holiday songs can impact our driving. According to research, songs with beats per minute (BPM) greater than 120 can affect your heart rate and your concentration, making it more difficult to focus on the road.

While it’s fun to belt out "Feliz Navidad" or "Santa Claus is Coming to Town," the high BPM of these songs could lead to an elevated heart rate, distracting you from the task at hand.

As the holidays draw near, Christmas music is everywhere—on the radio, at parties, and in the car as we rush around town.Getty Stock

Mariah Carey's “All I Want for Christmas Is You” is a prime example.

With a BPM of 150, this Christmas classic is one of the most energetic songs on the list, making it a potential hazard for drivers. Similarly, “Feliz Navidad” by José Feliciano, which has a BPM of 149, is another song to steer clear of if you’re trying to keep your focus on the road.

These songs, while perfect for holiday cheer, have the potential to raise your stress levels or even lead to dangerous driving conditions if played too loudly.

While songs like Chris Rea's “Driving Home for Christmas” didn’t make the list of high-risk tunes, others like "Frosty the Snowman" (172 BPM) and “I Saw Mummy Kissing Santa Claus” (129 BPM) are known for their fast tempo, which can make your reaction times slower and your driving riskier.

So, what’s a responsible Christmas enthusiast to do? Stick to slower-paced songs, like “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” or “Silent Night,” to keep things calm and festive without putting yourself and others at risk.

While songs like Chris Rea's “Driving Home for Christmas” didn’t make the list of high-risk tunes, others like RB/Redferns

In the end, while Christmas music is an integral part of the season, choosing the right tunes when you're on the road is crucial for safe driving. So next time you're cruising down the highway with a car full of gifts, take a moment to double-check your playlist—some songs are better left for the holiday party than for your drive.

Sophia