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University of California Research Suggests that Bad Driving is Genetic

A small study conducted by researchers at the University of California, Irvine seems to suggest that some people are genetically bad drivers. The research suggests that individuals with a certain gene variant, are less likely to stay on the roads as well as other who don’t have the particular variant.

It is a small study involving just 29 individuals, and it’s far too early to draw any conclusions about how much our genes have to do with poor driving behavior. The study included 22 people without the “bad driving” gene and 7 persons with the gene. These individuals drove 15 laps on a simulator, they were required to learn to drive on a track, which has several sharp curves and turns. The participants were measured on how well they managed to stay on the track. The stimulated test was repeated four days later. The researchers found that participants with the bad driving gene performed 20 percent worse on the stimulation tests, compared to participants who did not have the gene variant. The researchers found the same results on the follow up test four days later.

The researchers believe that the variant gene restricts the availability of a protein called brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). The BDNF protein supports brain cell communication. When a person is working on a task, the BDNF is secreted in the area of the brain that’s connected with that particular task, encouraging the body to respond accordingly. When the gene is limited, there is less BDNF secretion in the area connected with driving, and therefore, these people are more likely to make driving errors. They also seem to forget what they learned when they return to the task after a while.

The researchers are intrigued by the findings, and say that it’s worth studying the genetics of the people involved in car accidents. Accident rates can be studied to see if these are higher in persons who have the gene variant.

Like we said earlier, it’s too early to make any conclusions about bad driving behavior and genes. As California personal injury lawyers who represent victims of auto accidents, we come across more than our share of bad driving. Most of the time these driving behaviors are completely avoidable. For instance, impaired driving has nothing to do with genes, but contributes to thousands of deaths every year. Speeding is another major factor in auto accidents, and is entirely preventable behavior. However, we are always keen to know about any new research involving road safety, and the study, it seems, if taken further, could come up with some interesting results.  Research into accident causes and factors can help us understand the reasons for the fatalities occur every year in these accidents, and helps federal agencies set safer standards that can prevent such accidents.

Persons injured in auto accidents may be able to recover compensation for their medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, lost future wages in case they can’t go back to their former jobs and other benefits. A California accident auto lawyer can help determine the kind of benefits victims are eligible for.

The Reeves Law Group is a law firm with offices throughout California dedicated exclusively to the representation of personal injury victims, including victims of motor vehicle accidents. Please visit our website at trlglaw.com. If you desire a free consultation on a personal injury matter, please call us at (800) 644-8000 or email us.

The Reeves Law Group is not acting as legal counsel for any party in the matters discussed in this posting.

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