Allstate Study: Playing Grand Theft Auto May Make You a Better Driver
Teenagers may finally have one more obscure, yet valid claim to play video games.
Why? Because according to a recent study by Allstate, video games may improve driving skills. The study surveyed 100,000 of its policy holders, by sending them a video game which was designed to improve their mental acuity; and it worked.
But if your kids are stuck on their XBox, Playstation, and Nintendo systems saying “Just 5 more minutes before I save 10% on my insurance,” just let them know that the study was for 50 – 75 year olds.
Astronauts and top gun pilots already know that driving simulators can help heighten mental sharpness, improve hand-eye coordination, and reduce reflex times; so Allstate thought they would give it a try as well. Results further validated findings that such activities can slow down the effects of aging.
Regardless of the effects this information will have on your insurance rates, just know that you can still gain the positive benefits of improved driving skills, and reduced the chances of causing an accident.
If by some miracle, your insurance company is offering you better rates for playing Grand Theft Auto, just be sure not to tell them that you really enjoy driving on the sidewalk, do drive-by shootings with AK-47′s, and run down pedestrians by the dozen. That might have a negative effect on your rates.
Check out this entertaining video reponse submitted by one of our users. Be sure to let us know in the comments below how video games have made you a better driver.
2 Responses to “Allstate Study: Playing Grand Theft Auto May Make You a Better Driver”
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October 14th, 2009 at 7:50 am
I am curious how you quantify someone’s driving ability, or at least show that they have improved by 10%.
October 15th, 2009 at 4:28 am
10% fewer violations/accidents? Remember, they surveyed 100,000 people, which is a lot.