Genetics To Blame for Bad Driving

Are you or someone you know a bad driver? Well, science suggests that you may not be the one to blame. According to University of California researcher Steven Cramer, about 30 percent of Americans have an irregular gene that can negatively affect driving skills.

A protein called Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor, which helps the brain function with communication and awareness, is less present among those with the irregular gene. During a week-long observation Cramer learned that those with the gene variant factually make more errors during driving, and were more likely to forget what they learned during the week of research. Cramer also believes that those who are involved in at-fault collisions on the roadway have the irregular gene, seven times out of ten.

Thankfully, new features in automobile technology can provide comfort to those with the gene variant. For example, the “autonomous emergency steering” feature intends to maneuver the vehicle to the left or right in order to avoid an accident, and can even detect pedestrians and unexpected debris in the roadway.