This morning we randomly started talking about Florida driving superstitions what we do in the car. We quickly realized that we had no idea why we actually did all these things. The conversation started with Orlando was telling a story about how he drove into work and accidentally hit a possum. Well, the car in front of him actually hit the marsupial and he tried to swerve around it. While he tried not to hit the animal he mentioned that he lifted up his feet so he wouldn’t feel the thump. He thought it was interesting that anytime that happens he automatically lifts up his feet in the car hoping to make the car lighter or hoping he won’t hit it. That led us into a conversation about driving superstitions.
5 Florida Driving Superstitions And Their Origins:
Rich then mentioned every time he goes over a railroad he always raises his pointer finger and touches the windshield. He had a theory that the railroad superstition might be a New York thing. After talking to several people we found out it’s a common thing that has no true origin. Meredith then talked about driving by graveyards and always holding her breath. One thing we all had in common is not knowing why we do these things. Toyota put together a list of five different superstitions that are specific to driving in a car. Some people even talked about driving through a tunnel and needing to hold their breath during the entire time for good luck.
Below, we break down each superstition and tell you the back story and what will happen to you if you don’t do them…
#1 Picking Your Feet Up When Driving Over Railroad Track
One superstition tells you to pick your feet up from the floor and pedals while you drive over railroad track. It could also be a bridge of some kind. If you don’t, you’ll never meet your true love and die young. Where this started we still have no idea.
#2 Touching The Roof When Going Thru Yellow Light
Some people always touch the ceiling while driving through a yellow light which seems dangerous. It’s a silent way of saying thank you to God for not being pulled over by a cop or getting into an accident. Almost like a little prayer.
#3 Holding Your Breath While Driving By Graveyard
We’ve definitely heard of this one before! Holding your breath as you drive by a graveyard. This is so you won’t breathe in a bad spirit and become possessed.
#4 Throwing Loose Change Under Car Seat In New Car
This is to bring you good luck but no one really knows why? Although, it is fun to find money in your car.
#5 Holding Your Breath Through Tunnel
Similar to driving past a graveyard, when you hold your breath as you drive through a tunnel, you can make a wish at the end. That’s if you can last the length of the tunnel without breathing which is also dangerous.
Did you know that even NASCAR drivers profess driving superstitions? A lot of them refuse to drive green cars on the basis that they believe the color green is an omen of bad luck (stemming from the death of a race car driver in the 1920’s who was behind the wheel of a green car). Additionally, many of them ban unshelled peanuts from their garages and pits because they see them as unlucky. Why? Apparently before the first World War, a rash of car accidents happened and peanut shells were found in the vehicles.
