Don’t Listen to This Christmas Classic While You Drive — Here’s Why
By Movieguide® Contributor
Frosty the Snowman may have been “a jolly happy soul,” but you won’t be if you listen to his song while driving, according to experts.
Researchers from the South China University of Technology found that “songs with beats per minute, or BPM over 120, can encourage reckless driving. So, taking this into consideration, the higher a Christmas song BPM, the more dangerous it becomes.”
“And after evaluating a lengthy list said to include every classic Christmas tune, 1950’s ‘Frosty the Snowman,’ first recorded by Gene Autry — and later that year, Jimmy Durante — was named by Insuranceopedia as ‘the most dangerous’ to drive to, skidding to number one with a potentially crazy-making 172 BPM,” the NY Post reported.
Insuranceopedia CEO Max Coupland said, “As the holiday season approaches, it’s important to recognize how music influences our driving habits. While festive tunes bring joy, some high-energy or distracting songs can impact our focus on the road.”
READ MORE: THE ODD ORIGINS BEHIND SOME OF AMERICA’S FAVORITE CHRISTMAS SONGS
More modern Christmas favorites pose a risk too. With a BPM of 150, Mariah Carey’s iconic “All I Want for Christmas Is You” takes the No. 2 spot as the most dangerous song to listen to on the road. While Billboard ranked this song the #1 song of all time, maybe save it for when you’re home.
“Feliz Navidad” by Jose Feliciano takes the No. 3 spot, leaving Christmas drivers of all cultures in danger.
The ranking of some of the most dangerous Christmas songs can be viewed below:
- Frosty The Snowman
- All I Want For Christmas Is You
- Feliz Navidad
- Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town
- Happy Xmas (War Is Over)
- Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!
- Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer
- I Wish It Could Be Christmas Every Day
- Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
- I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus
So maybe this holiday season, choose a slower song to drive to. Something like “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” is more likely to get you home safely for Christmas.
READ MORE: THE STORY BEHIND 8 CLASSIC CHRISTMAS SONGS
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