With February half-term travel getting underway, superstition appears to be influencing real behaviour on the roads.
Friday the 13th is often laughed off as superstition, but for many drivers, it is shaping real decisions. One in four drivers (28%) admit they feel more concerned and superstitious about driving on Friday 13th, and 6% admit they actively avoid driving altogether, choosing to delay or rethink plans instead.
According to new research from National Highways, that unease isn’t just a feeling. More than a quarter of drivers say Friday the 13th affects how confident they feel about travelling, showing that a date on the calendar is still enough to change behaviour for a significant number of people.
That nervousness is often managed through routine rather than preparation. Almost half of drivers (47%) admit to relying on “lucky” habits to feel more at ease, including sitting quietly before setting off (14%), always taking the same route (11%), playing a particular song (6%) or even making a wish (5%) – National Highways are reminding drivers to channel those concerns into practical preparation, with a few simple vehicle checks – not luck – to help reduce the risk of a breakdown.
For many motorists, however, avoiding travel simply isn’t realistic. Around one in four drivers (24%) are planning to make a longer journey this February half term, with 43% travelling to visit friends and family and 42% using their car for shopping or everyday errands. Leisure travel is also common, with one in five (20%) planning day trips to attractions, cities or tourist spots.
Despite the nerves and rituals, breakdowns remain a familiar experience. One in five drivers (21%) say they have broken down on a motorway or major A road in the last five years, and many now admit the situation could have been avoided with simple preparation. Tyre checks (42%), checking the weather (40%), battery health (39%) and topping up fuel (38%) all feature heavily among the things drivers say could have prevented their breakdown.
Drivers may not be able to control the date on the calendar or what happens once they’re on the road, but the research shows there are practical steps that can help people feel more confident before setting off. Focusing on preparation rather than superstition can reduce the risk of avoidable breakdowns, particularly during busy travel periods.
National Highways are encouraging drivers to focus on preparation rather than superstition. Its T.R.I.P. guidance highlights a few simple checks people can take before setting off, helping reduce avoidable breakdowns during busy periods.
NATIONAL HIGHWAYS’ T.R.I.P. TIPS FOR FEBRUARY HALF-TERM TRAVEL
· Top-up fuel and essential fluids before starting a longer journey
· Rest properly and plan breaks to stay alert, especially during busy periods
· Inspect tyres, lights and battery condition before setting off
· Prepare by checking the weather forecast and planning routes in advance
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