A THIRD of Britons are expected to change their plans today as it is Friday the 13th - the traditional day of bad luck.

The phobia is so common in Britain that it now has its own special name, Triskaidekaphobia.

Nearly three quarters (74 per cent) of adults have reported that they have suffered from bad luck on a previous Friday 13th – which is not good news as two Fridays this year fall on the 13th.

The findings have been revealed in a report by Travelodge who surveyed 2,500 British adults to seek their views on whether they believe certain numbers bring them good or bad luck.

It found that half of British adults believe in the power of lucky numbers and will always use their personal lucky number to help them get ahead in life.

The report also revealed that 40 per cent of people are superstitious and will be taking some form of proactive action today avoid any form of bad luck coming their way.

This includes:

• Not travelling as they fear they could be involved in an accident or long delays,

• Rescheduling an important meeting to avoid the wrong outcome,

• Rescheduling their dentist appointment,

• Avoid making a big purchase like a car,

• Keeping away from mirrors and ladders.

The research also showed that 65 per cent of those questioned believe having a lucky number brings them good fortune with the most popular number being seven.

Half of adults (52 per cent) reported that their birth date is their most powerful lucky number and they will and use this number as much as they can in daily life to bring them good luck.

Shakila Ahmed, Travelodge spokeswoman, said: “Our research shows that Britons certainly believe in the power of numbers and will use their lucky number to get ahead in life and avoid the number 13 at all costs."

The research also revealed 68 per cent of adults are so superstitious about Friday 13th that they cannot get through the day without some kind of gesture to bring them good luck.

This includes throwing salt over their shoulders, saying good morning to a magpie when it crosses their path and searching for a black cat so that it crosses their path with good luck