Studies show racing games promote risky driving

Two separate studies, one in Germany and the other in the United Kingdom, have concluded that playing racing video games promotes risky driving behavior, particularly among men.

A research paper published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology by the Ludwig-Maximilians University and the Allianz Center for Technology in Germany found a correlation between playing racing games and more risky driving habits through three different methods.

In the first test subjects were asked to rate both their gaming and real world habits on a scale of 0-10 agreeing or disagreeing with statements such as "I mostly respect speed limits". In this there was a correlation between risky driving behavior and gaming habits, but on its own this would not be conclusive.

In the study in the United Kingdom similar conclusions were reached, with 27% of under 24's admitting to more dangerous driving after gaming, though 34% of young drivers also believed that playing racing video games improves their driving skills.

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