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Is Friday the 13th bad for your health?
T J Scanlon1, R N Luben, F L Scanlon
1Department of Public Health, Mid Downs Health Authority, Haywards Health, West Sussex.
BMJ (Clinical Research Ed.)
|December 18, 1993
Summary
Friday the 13th is associated with increased transport accident risk. Studies show fewer drivers but more accidents, suggesting a potential 52% rise in hospital admissions. Staying home may be safer.
Area of Science:
- Health Psychology
- Behavioral Science
- Risk Assessment
Background:
- Superstition surrounding Friday the 13th is prevalent in Western cultures.
- The psychological impact of superstition on daily behavior and risk-taking is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between the superstition of Friday the 13th and actual health and behavioral outcomes.
- To quantify the impact of Friday the 13th on driving, shopping, and accident rates in the UK.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective study design was employed, comparing data from Friday the 13th with control dates (Friday the 6th).
- Data collected included vehicle numbers on motorways, supermarket shopper counts, and hospital admissions for accidents.
- The study focused on drivers, shoppers, and residents within the South West Thames region.
Main Results:
- A significant decrease in vehicle numbers was observed on the M25 motorway on Friday the 13th compared to Friday the 6th.
- No significant difference was found in the number of shoppers in supermarkets between the two dates.
- Hospital admissions due to transport accidents showed a significant increase on Friday the 13th (65 admissions) versus Friday the 6th (45 admissions).
Conclusions:
- Friday the 13th appears to be an unlucky day, correlating with an increased risk of transport accidents.
- The risk of hospital admission due to a transport accident may increase by up to 52% on Friday the 13th.
- Recommendations suggest that individuals may consider staying home on this date to mitigate potential risks.