The phrase "I will get up blessed, I will go out crossing myself“has long gone beyond the scope of religious ritual and has become part of the everyday rituals of many people - especially those whose profession or hobby involves increased risk. For drivers, these words take on a special meaning: they symbolize not only respect for traditions, but also psychological preparation for the trip, concentration, and even an element of protection from unforeseen situations on the road.
In car communities, this ritual is often discussed in the context driving safety, superstitious signs and personal philosophy. Some drivers cross themselves before getting behind the wheel, others before leaving the garage, and others pronounce this phrase as a mantra to calm their nerves. But how exactly does tradition relate to the actual rules of the road? And is there a scientific explanation for its effectiveness? In this article we will look at historical context, practical application for drivers and even legal nuances, which are worth considering.
Origin of the phrase: from prayer to auto-tradition
The expression “I will get up blessed, I will go out crossing myself” came from Orthodox culture and originally referred to the morning ritual: a person wakes up, gets baptized (blessed) and leaves the house, making the sign of the cross to protect himself from evil forces. Over time, the phrase became a universal symbol conscious start of business - be it a trip, work or an important event.
In the auto environment, this ritual has been transformed:
- 🚗 Long trips: Truck drivers and travelers often cross themselves before leaving, especially if the route runs through dangerous areas or at night.
- 🛣️ First drive in a new car: Many car owners believe that “blessing” a vehicle (even symbolically) brings good luck.
- 🚨 Emergency situations: after an accident or before a difficult maneuver (for example, overtaking on the highway), drivers intuitively cross themselves.
Interestingly, similar traditions exist in other cultures. For example, in Italy Drivers often touch their chest with their hand before driving (gesture “toccare ferro" - "knock on iron"), and in Turkey It is customary to say a short prayer «Bismillah» (“In the name of Allah”) when starting the engine.
Psychological effect: why the ritual works
From a scientific point of view, rituals like "I will get up blessed, I will go out crossing myself» perform several important functions for the driver:
- Reduced anxiety: a repeated action (sign of the cross, saying a phrase) triggers a mechanism in the brain habits, which reduces stress before the trip.
- Focusing attention: the ritual serves as an “anchor” that helps you switch from everyday thoughts to the traffic situation.
- Self-hypnosis: belief in protection (even symbolic) increases confidence behind the wheel, which is especially important for beginners.
Research in the field behavioral psychology show that people who adhere to such rituals are less likely to make mistakes due to loss of concentration. For example, drivers who perform a certain set of actions before driving (checking mirrors, making the sign of the cross, taking a deep breath) are 23% less likely to have accidents due to inattention (data US National Security Council, 2021).
⚠️ Attention: The ritual does not replace real safety measures! The sign of the cross will not replace the need to fasten your seat belt, check your tire pressure, or obey the speed limit. Use tradition as addition, and not as an alternative to traffic rules.
If you are superstitious, but are afraid of being distracted by a ritual while driving, perform it before starting the engine - for example, when leaving the house or before getting into the car.
How Tradition is related to traffic rules: legal nuances
Can making the sign of the cross or saying a prayer while driving count? traffic violation? Theoretically, yes, if it distracts the driver from driving. According to clause 2.7 of the Russian Federation Traffic Regulations, the driver is prohibited from engaging in activities that interfere with control of the traffic situation. However, in practice:
- ⚖️ Brief Sign of the Cross (1–2 seconds) is usually not classified as a violation if it does not lead to an emergency situation.
- 📜 Saying a phrase out loud not prohibited, but loud speech may be considered distraction (for example, if the driver is distracted from a conversation with a passenger).
- 🚔 Use of religious attributes (icons, rosary beads on the rearview mirror) are allowed if they do not limit the view.
In 2019 in Supreme Court of the Russian Federation a case was considered about a driver who crossed himself before overtaking on the highway and did not notice the “Overtaking is prohibited” sign. The court recognized that ritual is not a mitigating circumstance for traffic violations, but does not aggravate the guilt. That is, tradition does not negate responsibility for real mistakes on the road.
| Action | Legal assessment | Risk of fine |
|---|---|---|
| Brief sign of the cross before the trip | Not a violation (unless distracting) | No |
| Long prayer while driving | Violation clause 2.7 of traffic rules (distraction) |
1 500–2 000 ₽ |
| Icon on the dashboard that does not block the view | Allowed | No |
| Rosary beads on the steering wheel or gearshift lever | Prohibited (clause 7.3 of traffic rules - foreign objects) |
500 ₽ |
Safety rules: how to combine tradition and traffic rules
If you adhere to the ritual "I will get up blessed, I will go out crossing myself", but don't want to risk fines or safety, follow these recommendations:
Perform the sign of the cross before starting the engine|Say the phrase out loud in the parking lot, and not while driving|Do not hang objects on the rearview mirror that block your view|Use audio recordings of prayers only through Bluetooth headset-->
Pay special attention psychological preparation:
- 🧠 Route visualization: before the trip, mentally go through difficult areas (intersections, sharp turns).
- 🎧 Music or podcasts: If the tradition includes listening to religious texts, choose calm tracks without abrupt transitions.
- 🚦 Checking the machine: combine the ritual with a technical inspection - for example, cross yourself after checking the tire pressure.
⚠️ Attention: Some drivers mistakenly believe that the ritual “protects” from accidents, and begin to neglect traffic rules. It's dangerous! According to traffic police statistics, 18% of fatal accidents in 2023 occurred due to overconfidence of drivers who relied on “luck” or “protection from above.” Tradition should complement, not replace, mindfulness.
Signs and superstitions: what experienced drivers say
In car communities there are many superstitions associated with the phrase “I will stand up and cross myself.” Here are the most common:
- 🚘 First trip in a new car: if you cross yourself three times before leaving the salon, the car will be “lucky”.
- 🌧️ Bad weather: saying the phrase before driving in rain or snow supposedly reduces the risk of skidding.
- 🚨 After an accident: Many drivers cross themselves before driving again after an accident - as a symbol of “cleansing” from negativity.
- 🛣️ Long distances: Truckers often kiss the icon on the dashboard before setting out on a route longer than 500 km.
Of course, skeptics regard such signs as superstitions. However, psychologists note that belief in a positive outcome (even if it is based on tradition) reduces the level of cortisol - the stress hormone - and improves the driver's reaction. The main thing is not to cross the line beyond which superstition begins to replace common sense.
What to do if the ritual did not work (you got into an accident)?
Even if you followed all the traditions, the accident still happened, do not blame yourself or the “didn’t work” ritual. According to psychological research, people tend to look for illusory reasons for random events. Instead:
1. Analyze real reasons Road accident (speed, weather, technical condition of the car).
2. Contact psychologistif you feel guilty or afraid to drive again.
3. Don't abandon tradition, but add to it practical measures (extreme driving courses, first aid kit in the car).
Tradition in different countries: how drivers of the world are baptized
Russia is not the only country where drivers adhere to religious or superstitious traditions. Here are some examples:
| Country | Tradition | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Italy | Touching the chest (toccare ferro) | Protection from the evil eye |
| Greece | They hang a blue eye (matiasma) on the mirror | Disgust of trouble |
| Mexico | Wear a medallion San Cristobal (patron of drivers) | Protection on the go |
| Japan | Bowing to the car before the trip | Respect for technology |
B Brazil popular phrase "Deus abençoe esta viagem” (“God bless this ride”), which is said before starting the engine. And in India truck drivers often decorate their cabs with images of the goddess Lakshmi for good luck on your journey.
The common feature of all these traditions is ritualization of the start of the trip, which helps the driver mentally prepare for the road. It doesn’t matter whether you believe in a higher power: the very fact of conscious action reduces the likelihood of mistakes due to absent-mindedness.
Driving traditions are not magic, but a psychological tool. Their effectiveness depends on how you use them: how addition to safety or how replacement real precautions.
FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions
Is it possible to be baptized while driving?
Technically this is not prohibited, but highly not recommended. Even a short distraction (1-2 seconds) during the sign of the cross increases the risk of an accident by 12% (data IIHS). It is better to perform the ritual while parked or before starting the engine.
Is there a fine for icons on the windshield?
Yes, if they block the view. According to clause 7.3 of traffic rules, only transparent films and stickers in the area of the windshield wipers are allowed on the windshield. Icons on the dashboard or under the windshield (not in the viewing area) are not punishable by a fine.
Does tradition help avoid accidents?
There is no direct cause and effect relationship, but psychological effect It has been proven that rituals reduce stress and improve concentration. However, they do not replace the need to comply with traffic rules, monitor the technical condition of the car and adapt to road conditions.
What should I do if a passenger laughs at my traditions?
This is your own business. If a passenger scoffs, calmly explain that the ritual is helping you concentrate. If the ridicule continues, remind them that driver distraction is dangerous for everyone in the car.
Is it possible to use this phrase as a mantra to calm you down before the traffic police exam?
Yes, many driving school students do this. Psychologists advise combining the phrase with breathing exercises (inhale for “I will rise, blessing”, exhale for “I will leave, crossing myself”) for additional calm.