As holiday travel ramps up and millions of Americans get ready for long Christmas road trips, a new seasonal study has uncovered a surprising hazard on the highway: your playlist.
Kris Barber, founder of The Barber Law Firm, says most people underestimate how much their playlist can influence their driving:
“What many people don’t realize is that their favorite Christmas playlist could be adding to the risk…”
The Barber Law Firm analyzed Spotify’s 500 most popular holiday songs and ranked them by beats per minute (BPM) to see which tracks are most likely to encourage risky driving, especially during crowded holiday travel weekends. And yes, some beloved classics made the “most dangerous” list.
Researchers point to prior studies showing that fast-paced music (especially above 120 BPM) can lead to faster speeds, more aggressive lane changes, and reduced visual scanning of the road. Combine that with holiday stress, bad weather, and packed interstates, and suddenly your festive soundtrack might not be doing you any favors.
The Top 10 Most Dangerous Christmas Songs for Driving
According to the analysis, these high-energy holiday hits may make you unconsciously press the gas a little harder:
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“Last Christmas” — Ariana Grande (205.95 BPM)
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“Where Are You Christmas” — Milo Stavos (204.68 BPM)
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“Merry Christmas Everyone” — Shakin’ Stevens (202.90 BPM)
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“Mele Kalikimaka” — Bing Crosby & The Andrews Sisters (202.68 BPM)
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“It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” — Andy Williams (201.74 BPM)
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“I Won’t Be Home for Christmas” — blink-182 (200.02 BPM)
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“It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” — Brett Eldredge (195.08 BPM)
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“Santa Tell Me” — Ariana Grande (191.87 BPM)
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“Christmas the Whole Year Round” — Sabrina Carpenter (187.92 BPM)
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“Christmas Eve / Sarajevo 12/24” — Trans-Siberian Orchestra (186.41 BPM)
Even some of the most nostalgic tracks pack a rhythmic punch.
Most Dangerous Classic Christmas Songs
If you prefer old-school holiday music, here are the traditional favorites with the highest BPM:
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“Mele Kalikimaka” — Bing Crosby & The Andrews Sisters (202.68 BPM)
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“It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” — Andy Williams (201.74 BPM)
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“Caroling, Caroling” — Nat King Cole (185.34 BPM)
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“Driving Home for Christmas” — Chris Rea (180.23 BPM)
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“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” — John Denver (179.62 BPM)
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“The Christmas Song” — Michael Bublé (176.10 BPM)
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“Run Rudolph Run” — Chuck Berry (152.13 BPM)
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“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” — Burl Ives (152.65 BPM)
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“Holly Jolly Christmas” — Michael Bublé (151.43 BPM)
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“Jingle Bell Rock” — Brenda Lee (122.91 BPM)
A Safer Approach to Holiday Playlists
You don’t need to ban Christmas music from the car, but experts suggest opting for slower, calmer songs during long drives and saving the high-tempo tracks for when you’re parked at your destination.
And if you’re hitting the road this holiday season, this isn’t the only risk worth keeping in mind. Recent studies have also highlighted the most dangerous holidays for driving and the most dangerous states for holiday driving — both of which paint a bigger picture of why the season can be so chaotic on the roads.