Can Car-Chase Video Games Lead to Real-Life Danger?

From the Editors of Common Sense Media

March 29, 2007

Q: I heard that playing car-chase video games will make my kid a reckless driver. Is that true?

A: Yes, to a degree. A recent study found that men who played urban-set racing games that encouraged drivers to "massively violate traffic rules (e.g., drive on the sidewalk, crash into other cars, drive at high speed)" -- specifically, Burnout, Midnight Racer, and Need for Speed -- took more driving risks in real life.

While not all racing games promote risky behavior -- in a game like Cars, when you go too fast, you'll spin out and lose -- others are much iffier. In Excite Trucks, for example, the name says it all. Players are rewarded for crashing into other trucks. And in Need for Speed Carbon , lawlessness is rewarded.

Pay attention to whether the racing game your child wants to play encourages recklessness and hazardous actions. There are age-appropriate games for all ages, so encourage friends and relatives who shop for gifts to "steer" clear of the ones that promote risky behavior.