Study: Risky driving could be an effect of playing racing games

People who are fond of playing car racing video games like Project Gotham Racing 3, Test Drive Unlimited, Gran Turismo HD, and GT Pro Series may be prone to real-life reckless driving and are most likely to get into accidents, says a study by German researchers. Although no specific game was mentioned, the researchers of the Allianz Center for Technology said that:

Driving actions in these games often include competitive and reckless driving, speeding and crashing into other cars or pedestrians, or performing risky stunts with the vehicle. In short, most actions in racing games imply a very high risk of having an accident or severe crash in a highly realistic virtual road traffic environment.

They questioned 198 men and women and found out that those who played the games more often were more likely to engage in aggressive and risky driving and are prone to car accidents. On the other hand, those who play car racing video games less often reported that they drive more cautiously.

They then studied 68 men and they reported that those who played just one racing game took more risks in traffic situations. After that, the researchers had 83 guys play either a racing game or another type of game, and they found out that those who played racing games reported more thoughts and feeling of taking risks when it comes to traffic and driving situations. The lead researcher, Joerg Kubitzki had this to say:

The question of age restrictions, legally or voluntary, should be discussed not only for “shooter” games but also for this kind of games, which have an impact on traffic safety.

Well, I play racing games and my driving is fine in my opinion. How about you? Do you think they have a point or is this another blame-it-on-the-videogame scenario? Hit us back with your comments.

People who are fond of playing car racing video games like Project Gotham Racing 3, Test Drive Unlimited, Gran Turismo HD, and GT Pro Series may be prone to real-life reckless driving and are most likely to get into accidents, says a study by German researchers. Although no specific game was mentioned, the researchers of the Allianz Center for Technology said that:

Driving actions in these games often include competitive and reckless driving, speeding and crashing into other cars or pedestrians, or performing risky stunts with the vehicle. In short, most actions in racing games imply a very high risk of having an accident or severe crash in a highly realistic virtual road traffic environment.

They questioned 198 men and women and found out that those who played the games more often were more likely to engage in aggressive and risky driving and are prone to car accidents. On the other hand, those who play car racing video games less often reported that they drive more cautiously.

They then studied 68 men and they reported that those who played just one racing game took more risks in traffic situations. After that, the researchers had 83 guys play either a racing game or another type of game, and they found out that those who played racing games reported more thoughts and feeling of taking risks when it comes to traffic and driving situations. The lead researcher, Joerg Kubitzki had this to say:

The question of age restrictions, legally or voluntary, should be discussed not only for “shooter” games but also for this kind of games, which have an impact on traffic safety.

Well, I play racing games and my driving is fine in my opinion. How about you? Do you think they have a point or is this another blame-it-on-the-videogame scenario? Hit us back with your comments.