Bad driver? It’s not your fault!
November 2, 2009 by Matt Brogan
While we all agree that most traffic accidents are caused by bad drivers, or speeding if you live in Victoria, new scientific research finds that, as bad as they are, it may not be their fault.
Neuroscientists at the University of California in Irvine, CA have discovered a gene variant that could be responsible for creating bad drivers.
According to the university’s findings, individuals with the gene variant performed 20 per cent worse than those without the gene variant on driving tests. About 30 per cent of Americans are believed to have the gene variation.
“These people make more errors from the get-go, and they forget more of what they learned after time away,” said Dr. Steven Cramer, UC’s Neurology Associate Professor.
Scientists have discovered that the gene variation blocks a protein called BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) during activity.
BDNF aids in memory and body response, which explains why individuals with the gene variation perform poorly at driving tasks.
No scientific research has been conducted on individuals involved in traffic accidents – as testing for the gene variation is not economically viable at this time – but Dr. Cramer indicates there could be a strong correlation.
“I’d be curious to know the genetics of people who get into car crashes,” Dr. Cramer said. “I wonder if the accident rate is higher for drivers with the variant.”
The gene variant isn’t all bad as it has been discovered to keep individuals with diseases such as Parkinson’s, Huntington’s and MS mentally sharper than those without.
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I love the dig about crashes being caused by speeding if you are in Vic!
I love the way they describe it as “Speed was a factor”. Of course speed is a factor in any crash, the question is if the speed was excessive.
Yes, as long as people move above walking speed, by whatever means, then speed will be a factor in the outcome of an accident. Perhaps someone should tell overzealous governments and police forces that people used to die in horse and cart accidents – but back then I’m guessing it was accepted as part of the price some people pay for the ability to travel faster than you can walk.
I’m also guessing that back then, some people simply didn’t have the skills necessary to drive a horse and cart – no different now, some people simply are not cut out for driving.
You can die walking, trip on your local footpath wack your head on a kerb.. your gone. Restricted movement between lounge and toilet with bubble wrap on floor and walls is required.
Speed does not kill. It’s the sudden stop that will get you.
So next is a random breath test for BDNF?
Is it getting to the point were we will be pulled over for a full physical, eye test and internal search?
I might start riding my bike……..
I just hope Mr Policeman takes off his watch before the internal search :o
Ok, so let me get this straight, the people with the stupid driving gene may not be responsible because…
Maybe driver education and training (aka, defensive driving being made compulsary) may help the dodo’s behind the wheel maybe? Or are we all content just to be useless, taking no responsibility for our own personal improvement?
I thought everyone knew there was a genetic reason for being a bad driver? It’s called the XX-chromosome.
So all these people with this gene live and drive in South East Queensland.
Why don’t the police begin to reap tons of cash from the” I can’t keep left mob,” ie everyone. There are overhead cameras everywhere, so why not use these to stop the dangerous buffoons that dont know their left from their ass.
Speed is not the issue. No matter what speed a person is going they can have an accident. Most accidents happen within a 5 mile radius of their home in familiar territory within a 45 mph zone. People are too distracted these days (ie. cell phones, music, life issues, etc) and this is what causes accidents.