Video games make you a better driver – study

Video gaming fans have long said it, and now it has added academic backing. As told to the Association of Psychologcal Science, “our research shows that playing easily accessible action video games for as little as five hours can be a cost-effective tool to help people improve essential visuomotor-control skills used for driving,” researcher Li Li of New York University Shanghai said.

Along with other researchers, Li devised studies to explore the possible links between playing video games and visuomotor control, or eye-to-limb coordination. In one study, the scientists examined a group who played action games for five to 10 hours per week for the past six months and compared them to subjects who didn’t. In a driving simulation, the gamers were better able to keep a vehicle in the lane while compensating for crosswinds.

The researchers found that just a few hours were required for positive results to take place. A group of non-gamers were participants for this experiment, and they were given 10 one-hour training sessions in either Mario Kart or a strategy game, Roller Coaster Tycoon III. After just five hours, the Mario Kart players demonstrated better visuomotor control as compared with those who played the strategy game, and the Mario Karters improved even more at the end of the 10-hour test.

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The benefits drawn aren’t limited to driving games; the researchers also found that participants who had no action gaming experience also demonstrated improved visuomotor control after playing Unreal Tournament, a first-person-shooter (FPS) game. The two kinds of action games had differing effects on visuomotor control, with the report saying it suggests they may be suited to different audiences.

“The differing effects of driving and FPS video games on the sensorimotor system suggest that for experienced drivers, who have stable control but need to improve their ability to predict input error signals, training with FPS rather than driving video games is more effective,” Li explained. “In contrast, for novice drivers, who are still struggling with obtaining stable control, training with driving rather than FPS video games is more helpful.”

In other words, if you’re just starting out on the road and would like virtual practice for basic vehicle control, a driving game appears beneficial. On the other hand, if you already have some experience driving but would feel the need to respond more quickly to potential fender-benders or scrapes, perhaps a first-person shooter game is the order of the day.

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Mick Chan

Open roads and closed circuits hold great allure for Mick Chan. Driving heaven to him is exercising a playful chassis on twisty paths; prizes ergonomics and involvement over gadgetry. Spent three years at a motoring newspaper and short stint with a magazine prior to joining this website.

 

Comments

  • Proton Selimut on Aug 02, 2016 at 10:48 am

    It is obvious that Malaysians really suck at car video games because they can’t drive.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 21 Thumb down 2
    • MY gamers not as gud as Pinoy gamers in starcraft. Thats why MY drivers suck compared to Pinoys. Pinoy stronk.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 3
    • Haklo on Aug 02, 2016 at 12:20 pm

      Obviously doubt bout that! Coz video games don’t have signal indicator,so Malaysians can’t be a good driver just by video games! Stupid studies!

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 10 Thumb down 4
      • FarizY (Member) on Aug 03, 2016 at 11:41 am

        Dude, the study proves that visuomotor (the ability to synchronize visual information with physical movement) skills improved after playing racing games, which is the skill you’re better at, “After just five hours, the Mario Kart players demonstrated better visuomotor control as compared with those who played the strategy game, and the Mario Karters improved even more at the end of the 10-hour test.”. Sigh. Nothing to do with signal indicators.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
    • FarizY (Member) on Aug 03, 2016 at 11:38 am

      Can confirm, damn hard to find Malaysians on online sim racing such as iRacing, Assetto Corsa, etc.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
      • ducatiscrambler on Aug 03, 2016 at 6:32 pm

        Because most Malaysians do not have the privilege to afford set ups that could enable them to do so? duh.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 1
  • thepolygonal on Aug 02, 2016 at 10:49 am

    Daytona started it all…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 1
  • gaviny on Aug 02, 2016 at 11:09 am

    buy a cheap remote control car , that will train depth perception

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 2
  • 5 hours of GTA5 will produce god-level road bullies who are capable of robbing banks.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 17 Thumb down 1
    • No wonder MY has the highest rate in the world for GTA series piracy. Even old pipu apply their godlike GTA skills on roads.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 2
  • Wohoo!! Time to build up my ps4 game stockpile! Now backed by good ol science

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 1
  • Semi-Value (Member) on Aug 02, 2016 at 11:41 am

    off to play GTA

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 15 Thumb down 0
  • Hope GT for PS4 offers more offline races e.g.: Endurance races. PS3 version was not suffice.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • nabill (Member) on Aug 02, 2016 at 2:00 pm

    technically yes , but where are u gonna learn to be patient , courteous , and just generally a human…??

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 1
  • Black Dog on Aug 02, 2016 at 3:19 pm

    Those that watch lots of porn and x-rated movies are good lovers too!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
 

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