Drivers are being warned of large fines and points on their licence if they listen to Christmas music at the wheel, as new data shows which songs are favourites among Britons.
With Christmas just days away, motorists are preparing to travel to be with friends and family for the holiday festivities, although experts are warning that they could face issues.
Listening to festive songs may result in motorists losing concentration, and with 21 million leisure trips expecting to take place this week, this could cause chaos on roads.
Rule 148 of the Highway Code urges motorists to always drive and ride safely and pay attention to the road ahead of them at all times.
Drivers could become distracted by Christmas songs
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It states that road users should avoid distractions when driving such as loud music, starting or adjusting music, trying to read maps and smoking.
When enjoying Christmas music, motorists could also inadvertently mask the sound of important hazards like sirens from emergency vehicles and motorists using their horns.
People who are found to be playing Christmas music too loudly risk being fined for driving without due care or attention.
This can lead to a fixed penalty notice worth £100, as well as three penalty points on their driving licence.
In more extreme cases, motorists could be banned from driving, hit with a £5,000 fine and even prosecuted if they cause an accident where someone is injured or killed.
Gary Digva, founder of Road Angel, said: “Drivers should also remember that it is illegal to hold or touch their phones whilst travelling.
“Don’t be tempted to change songs or switch to different Christmas music playlist on your mobile else risk being involved in an accident, or receiving a driving penalty.
“We’re advising drivers to keep the festive tunes to a sensible volume and stay focussed on the road ahead.
“Don’t ruin your Christmas this year by listening to music too loudly whilst in the car and stay safe on the roads at all times.”
New data has also revealed which songs are the most loved by British drivers, with Fairytale of New York by the Pogues and Kirsty MacColl being voted in first place with 15 per cent of the poll.
This was closely followed by 14 per cent voting for Chris Rea’s Driving Home for Christmas and Last Christmas by Wham! with eight per cent, according to InsureMy.
The Pogues and Kirsty MacColl also have the dubious honour of being the second least favourite Christmas song to drive to, only falling behind Mariah Carey’s legendary All I Want for Christmas is You.
Surprisingly, van drivers went away from the norm and voted for Andy Williams’ It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year as the best Christmas song to drive to.
Classic car owners, sportscar owners and micro vehicle motorists all judged Paul McCartney’s Wonderful Christmastime to be the most hated song to drive to.
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The Highway Code calls on motorists to avoid becoming distracted at the wheel
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Stewart Barnett, at InsureMy said: “While there are a couple of Christmas songs that divide opinion, the country is pretty unanimous that the ‘oldies are the goodies’.
“Three of the top 10 are 50 years old, five are 40 – or nearing 40, and they are still preserved and enjoyed across the generations – 18-24 year olds chose Wham! as their favourite.
“And this also how lots of people feel about their cars – classics are something to be respected and protected, so that they can be enjoyed for years to come.”