12 Mar 2015
Posted by Miriam O'Neill 
Read our latest press release below:
Almost half of drivers carry a good luck charm
On the second of three Friday the 13ths in 2015, new poll results issued today by AA Motor Insurance suggest that 1% of drivers in Ireland will try to avoid driving tomorrow for fear that something bad will happen to them.
To allay the worries of this small cohort of motorists who would seem to suffer from friggatriskaidekaphobia, an irrational fear of Friday the 13th, the AA shares that historically there is nothing remarkable about the date in terms of motor insurance claims.
In total the AA polled more than 4,000 motorists on the superstitions and rituals they observe when it comes to driving in honour of the “unlucky date”.
They discovered that while some motorists observe none at all, almost half of those they surveyed typically carry a good luck charm such as a St. Christopher’s medal or statue in their car. Sticking with religion, the AA also heard from several people who sprinkle holy water on a vehicle’s tyres or within the cabin before they or a loved one undertakes a long journey.
45% of those polled by the AA said they are inclined to bless themselves out of habit when passing a hospital, ambulance or graveyard. While 22% also said they will say a prayer in advance of someone close to them heading off on a lengthy drive.
Some rituals are more dangerous than others however. 2% of those polled by the AA for example said they like to remove their shoes before driving while 3% said they hold their breath while driving through a tunnel.
Conor Faughnan, Director of Consumer Affairs, AA Ireland. “While some habits are absolutely harmless others teeter into reckless. If you’re one of the few culprits to hold your breath when driving through a tunnel please knock the habit on the head. Believe it or not there have been documented accidents in the past where a driver has actually passed out as a result[1].”
The AA also comments that while it’s not illegal to drive without shoes, drivers won’t have the same grip or braking force that they would with a suitable pair of shoes.
“When you get behind the wheel you have a responsibility to all other road users to exercise due care and attention. If you’re not wearing practical footwear you’re adding unnecessary risks to yourself, your passengers and others.” Says Faughnan.
Ends
Notes to the editor;
Do you or anyone you know observe the following superstitions/rituals in relation to driving? (Select only those which apply)
Based on 4,155 responses gathered via AA online poll issued on 11th March 2015.
| Yourself | Someone you know | |
| Abstain from driving on Friday the 13ths. | 1% (39 people) | 6% (255 people) |
| Hold ones breath when driving through a tunnel. | 3% (106 people) | 8% (315 people) |
| Bless oneself when passing a hospital/graveyard or ambulance. | 45% (1879 people) | 45% (1885 people) |
| Consider it bad luck if a black cat passes in front of your car. | 8% (344 people) | 15% (631 people) |
| Carry a good luck charm/rosary beads/holy water/St. Christopher’s medal in the car. | 47% (1,954 people) | 33% (1380 people) |
| Salute a magpie/recite the rhyme. | 33% (1,378 people) | 26% (1,064 people) |
| Always flash ones lights when turning a corner/going through a cross roads. | 7% (298 people) | 5% (228 people) |
| Take ones shoes off while driving. | 2% (82 people) | 7% (274 people) |
| Say a prayer when a loved one is going on a long drive. | 22% (924 people) | 17% (717 people) |
| Other | 3% (133 people) | 3% (134 people) |
[1]Oregon man caused three-car crash by holding breath in tunnel – police: http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/may/26/oregon-man-three-car-crash-holding-breath-tunnel
