Virtual Driving Gives Teens The Wrong Skills For Real Roads

3 months ago 11th Jun 14:33

Lightening reactions aren’t enough - proper observation is key, says expert

Thousands of teenagers will be taking to the roads for the first time this summer with the wrong set of driving skills because they have grown up with computer games.

Switching from a game controller to the steering wheel spells danger for many young drivers according to Young Marmalade - the UK’s leading provider of affordable quality cars and low cost insurance to young drivers.

According to studies carried out by Young Marmalade playing computer games hones quick-fire reactive skills, but gives youngsters no practice in observation, which is vital for safe motoring.

noticed an increase in hazards being avoided reactively rather than taking time to observe the roadLindsay Hodgson

The company is also calling on parents to ensure the intensive use of driving computer games should be avoided while a teenager is learning to drive a real car. "We have found that young learner drivers are blurring the line between the two skill sets," says Crispin Moger.

"Many young drivers are confusing their gaming ability with actual driving skill - leading to over confidence and poor observation when they get behind the wheel for real," says Moger.

The company has also been polling many of the qualified instructors it works with and has found similar concerns.

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