It’s the most wonderful time of the year … until your favourite Christmas tune makes you press the accelerator a little too hard.
From classic carols to modern holiday hits, some festive tracks have a sneaky way of turning a calm drive into a full-speed joyride.
In Mzansi, holiday music and driving go hand in hand. Experts note that around 80% of adults have listened to AM/FM radio in the car in the past month, either as a driver or passenger.
Add December road trips, traffic and last-minute year-end errands, and it’s easy to see why festive playlists become the soundtrack of the season.
The issue lies in the BPM (beats per minute). Faster tracks can increase arousal, and driving-simulator studies show that fast-tempo music is linked with riskier driving behaviour.
Classic experiments found that fast music increased traffic violations, lane crossings, missed red lights and collisions compared with slower or no music.
More recent studies confirm that drivers tend to take more risks with fast music, particularly when overtaking or navigating complex driving situations.
That’s why experts at Playcasino.com examined Spotify’s Christmas Top 100 to identify the tracks most likely to trigger “accidental speed creep” – the kind that takes you from 118 km/h to 132 km/h before you even realise it.
Here are 10 Christmas songs Mzansi drivers might want to keep on mute behind the wheel, unless you fancy a traffic fine with your mince pies:
- “Last Christmas” by Ariana Grande (205.95 BPM)
- “Where Are You Christmas” by Milo Stavos (204.68 BPM)
- “Merry Christmas Everyone” by Shakin’ Stevens (202.90 BPM)
- “Mele Kalikimaka” by Bing Crosby and The Andrews Sisters (202.68 BPM)
- “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” by Andy Williams (201.74 BPM)
- “I Won’t Be Home for Christmas” by blink-182 (200.02 BPM)
- “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” by Brett Eldredge (195.08 BPM)
- “Santa Tell Me” by Ariana Grande (191.87 BPM)
- “Christmas the Whole Year Round” by Sabrina Carpenter (187.92 BPM)
- “Christmas Eve / Sarajevo 12/24” by Trans-Siberian Orchestra (186.41 BPM)
So, before you hit play on your festive playlist this December, remember: some songs are best enjoyed while stationary.
A safe drive is still the best way to keep the holiday cheer rolling.
