And now comes research which shows that playing computer games involving car races increases risk-taking behaviour in critical road traffic situations.

Allianz Australia Insurance GM Corporate Affairs Nicholas Scofield says the research shows driving actions in the games include competitive and reckless driving, speeding and crashing into other cars or pedestrians, or performing risky stunts with the vehicle.

The Allianz research sought to determine whether a detrimental relationship exists between playing risk-orientated video racing games and risky driving. It was based on three related studies.

“The first study indicated that the playing of racing games is associated with increased obtrusive and competitive road traffic behaviour, reduced cautious road traffic behaviour and a higher number of reported accidents among study participants,” Mr Scofield said.  

The second study showed players of racing games experienced greater risk-promoting thoughts and emotions, and stronger arousal and excitement, compared with players of neutral games.

The third study measured willingness to take risks in road traffic.

“It found that men take more risks in critical road traffic situations when they have played a racing game prior to driving,” Mr Scofield said. “By contrast, women’s level of risk-taking was not affected by the playing of racing games.”