BEIJING (SCMP): Christmas, although not officially recognised or approved as a public holiday in mainland China, is still celebrated by many. Festive songs fill the air, especially in big shopping malls and commercial establishments, creating a holiday ambience.
Christmas is joyful, and festive tunes can elevate the holiday spirit. Therefore, it may seem surprising that some of these celebratory tracks could be deemed “dangerous”.
Strangely enough, a prestigious university in southern China has conducted a study forming the basis of a list of “10 dangerous Christmas songs” that individuals concerned about their health should avoid at all costs.
The eventual list particularly warns against listening to these songs while driving, as their beats per minute (BPM) are considered too high, potentially impacting mental and cardiovascular health and encouraging risky driving behaviour.
According to the South China University of Technology (SCUT) in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, overseas experts, extracting data from their study, have created this list of “10 dangerous Christmas songs” for drivers worldwide, as reported by the New York Post.
The 2016 study by SCUT indicates that music with a high BPM or upbeat rhythm may affect a driver’s mental state and cardiovascular activity, thereby increasing the risk of traffic accidents.
By evaluating metrics such as collision frequency, speed variability, and lane-changing frequency, the SCUT research found that light music had no significant impact on driving behaviour, while rock music and similar upbeat genres notably disrupted it.
The study also revealed that light music reduced mental load, whereas rock music heightened it.
Using the SCUT findings, Insuranceopedia, a Canadian-based insurance comparison website reviewed an extensive list of classic Christmas tunes and compiled a list of the “10 most dangerous Christmas songs” that may not be advisable to listen to while driving.
“As the holiday season approaches, it’s important to recognise how music influences our driving habits. While festive tunes bring joy, some high-energy or distracting songs can impact our focus on the road,” explained Max Coupland, CEO of the company.
Topping this list is the 1950 hit “Frosty The Snowman” with a BPM of 172, making it the most hazardous tune for drivers.
Close behind, Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You” holds the second spot with a BPM of 150.
Here are the top 10 most dangerous Christmas tracks, ranked on a sliding scale with the top one being the most hazardous for drivers:
1. Frosty The Snowman
2. All I Want For Christmas Is You
3. Feliz Navidad
4. Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town
5. Happy Xmas (War Is Over)
6. Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!
7. Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer
8. I Wish It Could Be Christmas Every Day
9. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
10. I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus
The SCUT study is not alone in exploring the impact of music on driving safety. Previous reports have also revealed that “American Idiot” by Green Day, with a BPM of 189, topped the “most dangerous” list.
In contrast, Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven”, with a BPM of just 63, was rated the safest.
Other safe songs included Red Hot Chili Peppers’ “Under the Bridge” and Drake’s “God’s Plan”.
Experts recommend keeping driving music under 120 BPM to minimise distraction and enhance stability.
Chinese netizens have reacted enthusiastically to these findings, with one commenting: “So, it means we cannot listen to slow-paced songs because they might make us sleepy while driving, fast-paced ones are out because they could lead to speeding, and our favourite songs aren’t recommended because they distract us. What can we even listen to?”
Whatever your favourite festive tunes may be, we can always adopt a no-drinking-and-driving approach. If it becomes too much, it is best to abstain! - South China Morning Post
