A recent study has raised concerns about the potential dangers of listening to Christmas carols with a beats-per-minute (BPM) rate above 120 while driving.
According to a report from The New York Post on Monday, researchers from the South China University of Technology (SCUT) studied which popular holiday tunes might be hazardous when played at high BPMs while behind the wheel. The research team analyzed a list of well-loved Christmas carols to determine which could negatively impact driving safety.
The study found that listening to music with excessively high BPMs can negatively affect both mental and cardiovascular health, possibly encouraging risky driving behaviors. High-energy songs can distract drivers and impair their ability to stay focused on the road.
The research team’s most dangerous carol was identified as Jimmy Durante’s classic 1950s hit “Frosty the Snowman,” which has an energetic 172 BPM. Coming in second was Mariah Carey’s global Christmas favorite, “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” which has a BPM of 150.
José Feliciano’s festive classic “Feliz Navidad ” claimed third place, followed by Mariah Carey’s “Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town.”
Interestingly, “Feliz Navidad” has made recent headlines for a different reason. The song was adapted by protesters in South Korea, who changed the lyrics to “Impeachment is the Answer” as they called for the resignation of President Yoon Suk Yeol. The song became an anthem at rallies. Lee Jae Myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, shared a video on social media in December showing three women dancing to the modified lyrics.
Other holiday hits that made the top ten include “Happy Xmas (War Is Over)” and “Let It Snow!” “Let It Snow!” “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” and “I Wish It Could Be Christmas Every Day.”
Max Coupland, CEO of an insurance advisory site, told The New York Post, “As we approach the holiday season, it’s important to recognize how music can impact our driving habits. While festive tunes can bring joy and boost our mood, too energetic or distracting songs can significantly reduce our focus on the road.”