Are you the superstitious type?  If you are then you may be having a rough day. So, what makes Friday the 13th so bad anyway? Some say it all started on Friday, October 13, 1307. That was the day that the Knights Templar a medieval Christian military order, and their sudden arrest and subsequent persecution contributed to the day’s ominous reputation. Since that time people all over the world have had a thing for Friday the 13th. For instance, some people avoid traveling, making major decisions, or starting new ventures on this day. However, in some cultures, Friday the 13th is considered lucky rather than unlucky.

The Dutch Centre for Insurance Statistics studied dates to see if Friday the 13th is really unlucky. Researchers concluded that Friday the 13th is actually safer than an average Friday because fewer accidents and crime occur. Statistician Alex Hoen says he’s still skeptical. “I find it hard to believe that it is because people are preventatively more careful or just stay home, but statistically speaking, driving is a little bit safer on Friday 13th.” There is a 14% decrease in car accidents on Friday the 13th and flying on Friday the 13th is 14% cheaper than on any other day. So maybe it’s not such a bad day after all, but I still won’t walk under a latter, because if you’re going to have bad luck that would be a bad place to have it.