Britain’s roads are being plagued by a generation of "game boy racers" who are driving recklessly after playing computer simulation games, new research reveals today.
Britain’s roads are being plagued by a generation of "game boy racers" who are driving recklessly after playing computer simulation games, new research reveals today.
Over one third (34%) of young male and female drivers confess they are more likely to drive faster on roads shortly after indulging in on-screen driving action and a quarter (27%) of young drivers admit they take greater driving risks after a gaming session.
The study, by the UK’s largest driving school, BSM, shows nearly a quarter (22%) of young drivers even claim they have imagined they’re in a driving simulation game while driving on the UK’s roads.
With two in five (42%) 16–24 year olds playing driving simulation games at least once a week, and 6% of young men playing daily, the research shows that frequent gamers are almost twice as likely as less regular players to lose their sense of reality on the open road (31% and 15%, respectively).
And young men are the worst offenders, with the BSM study finding they are almost twice as likely as women to blur virtual and on-road driving (27% and 16% respectively).
However, although driving simulation games appear to negatively affect the habits of newly qualified drivers, the research also indicates that they can be a positive tool for learners.
Indeed BSM uses accredited driving simulators as part of its comprehensive package of learning tools for young drivers.
Robin Cummins, BSM’s road safety consultant, said: "Accredited driving simulators can be a really useful tool in enhancing driving skills such as observation, confidence and reaction times. And in the case of our simulators, they offer a safe environment for young people to try their hand at driving before they’re 17.
"But it’s important that their use goes hand in hand with real on-road experience, and drivers should be careful not to get caught up in a virtual driving world. Making an adrenalin-charged move in a game may impact on your score, but doing so on the road can carry far greater consequences."
Other findings from the survey include:
- 54% of frequent players pass their driving test on the first attempt – compared to 45% of infrequent gamers.
- Over one third (34%) of young drivers think that gaming can improve real-life driving abilities – whilst a combination of parental and expert instruction is believed to have the most positive impact of all (71%).
- Two in five youngsters (40%) believe their reflex reactions are likely to be better after playing a driving game.
- 39% believe gaming helps improve hand-to-eye coordination.
- Frequent gamers rate their real-life driving skills at 7.2 out of 10, compared to infrequent gamers’ score of 6.7.
Cummins added: "This study shows an indisputable link between gaming and dangerous driving and with more than 200 young people* killed each year due to speeding alone, it’s crucial that they learn to ‘keep it real’ on the road.
"The most effective way for a learner to acquire good motoring skills is to combine lessons with a professionally-qualified instructor and guidance from parents, or other experienced drivers."
Gavin Ogden, editor of CVG, the UK's longest running computer games publication, comments: "Driving games continue to be enormously popular with young British gamers - but although they may be more realistic than ever, they don't bear much relation to real-life road conditions. In fact, some of the most popular motoring games actually warn users not to apply any driving techniques from the game to real life - because the consequences of doing so could be fatal."
BSM’s top tips for keeping it real on the road…
- Take a break between playing a driving game and getting behind the wheel. Allow at least one hour to make the transition from fantasy to reality.
- Being a great driver in real life doesn’t automatically make you a gaming champion – so don’t behave like you’re King of the Road, just because you’ve achieved a record score in a game.
- Be aware of the crucial road-skills you need which don't get used in games – proper use of mirrors and indicators will never win you extra virtual points, but they are critical in real life driving.
- Watch your speed. Many driving games condition you to go as fast as possible – in real life, roads and cars are far less forgiving.
- Keep a check on reality - enjoy driving simulation games but do so in lots of shorter intervals, rather than over prolonged periods.
- It’s important to have regular eye tests, both before commencing learning and after passing your test.
-ends-
BSM/RAC Press office contact:
Lucy Haughey / Jenny Chapman on 01603 354337/07800 690149 or 01603 684224/07800 699668 or Sonia Clarke / Iain Drennan on 0207 908 6570 or 0207 908 6449
Notes to editors:
1,000 16–24 year olds took part in the BSM survey, commissioned through Dubit (February 2007).
*According to the DfT Road Casualties Great Britain Report (2005), there were 773 fatalities among 16-29 year olds, 26% of which were caused by excessive speed.
Young Person Driving Death Statistics (Taken from the Audit Commission’s "Changing Lanes Report")
- 20% of all drivers involved in accidents are aged under 25.
- Road accidents account for 27% of all deaths in males aged 15-24.
- The average cost to the NHS of a serious injury from a road accident is Ł12,806.
- One in every 200 deaths occurs on the road.
- Of 240,000 injuries from road accidents in a year, 25,000 are serious injuries.
About BSM
Founded in 1910, BSM is the UK’s most experienced national driving school. Each year it teaches over 160,000 learners how to drive. It has approx. 3,400 driving instructors across the UK.
While BSM is best known for teaching learner drivers, it is also one of the largest providers of training for driving instructors. It is a founding member of ORDIT (Official Registry of Driving Instructor Training) and plays an active role in lobbying the Government on road safety and learner driver-related issues.
About RAC
With around seven million members, RAC is one of the UK's most progressive motoring organisations, providing services for both private and business motorists. Whether it's roadside assistance, windscreen repair and replacement, learning to drive, vehicle inspections and checks, legal and financial services or up-to-the-minute traffic and travel information - RAC is able to meet motorists’ needs. RAC incorporates BSM, RAC Auto Windscreens, RAC Direct Insurance and HPI.
Aviva bought RAC in May 2005. The acquisition brings together RAC's powerful brand and customer base with the expertise and leading position in motor insurance of Norwich Union Insurance (part of Aviva). Norwich Union is the UK's largest insurer, insuring one in seven motor vehicles and with a market share of around 14%.
RAC’s news releases and a selection of images are available from the internet press centre at www.racnews.co.uk.