The Story
Where does the story take place?
At night as a woman is driving home from work
When did the urban legend first appear? (Year)
1960s
What does the car represent?
Personal freedom, individualism, and self-reliance
1984 film about a couple, Burt and Vicky, who are terrorized by a cultist and find their car destroyed by corn.
The Children of the Corn
How does this urban legend demonstrate the factor of "it could be true?"
What follows the woman home?
A man in a car
Who first documented it?
Jan Harold Brunvand
What killer was active in Northern California from 1968 to 1969? (Hint: astrological signs)
Zodiac Killer
Zombieland
How does it show "unclear origins?"
It has been circulating since the 1960s, but it was around before that.
Who did the police find in her backseat?
A man in a long black coat
Whose column did it show up on in 1982?
Ann Lander
True or False: Cars are one of the more dangerous places we spend our time.
True!!!
Fact: The average American experiences 3-4 car crashes in their lifetime.
1998 slasher film where a young woman stops for gas and then speeds away with someone in her backseat
Urban Legend
How does it show "FOAF?"
It has realistic details like the highway, freeway exists, and specific locations.
What weapon did they find in the car?
An axe
What happens in most versions?
The killer is discovered in time to save the driver.
Which killer targeted mainly women in 1974-1978?
Ted Bundy
1977 film where a demonic black car terrorizes citizens in a small community
The Car
It has changed over time depending on who is telling it.
How did the car who followed her warn the woman?
Where was one of the earliest reported incidents?
Palo Alto, CA in 1935
When were serial killers most active?
1970 to 1999
Show in which Otto tells Lisa a bedtime story about a woman being chased by a car that keeps running into her car
The Simpsons
What strong emotions does the story have?
Vulnerability, paranoia, terror, shock, and fear