STUDY: 30% of you are genetically predisposed to drive poorly
Well, this explains everything. Scientists scientifically studied the brains of 29 people. Of those, 22 had normal brains while the other seven had a genetic variant that stops their brain from secreting something called a neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Without the BDNF, new memories aren't formed properly. And people with this gene variant also can't drive.
Those 29 people were placed in cars on a closed-circuit course with lots of difficult turns. Then they repeated the test four days later. Results? Not only did the gene variant-brained people do worse on the first day of testing, they did worse on the second day, too.
And now the kicker – 30% of Americans have this genetic variant. Said the scientist in charge, "I'd be curious to know the genetics of people who get into car crashes. I wonder if the accident rate is higher for drivers with the variant." As it stands now, there is no commercially available test to check for this variant. In other words, be careful out there.
[Source: CNN | Photo: David Livingston/Getty Images]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
ollicat 12:30PM (11/04/2009)
I wonder how many of the 30% are women?
Just kidding - don't get all upset
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Blackstar 2:14PM (11/04/2009)
Well, regardless of their age, sex, or nationality, hopefully in the future there will be a medical test when you first get your license for the condition known as CFD. (Can't F*cking Drive).
Parkerman 7:08AM (11/04/2009)
Great... Another thing people won't take responsibility of...
"Sorry officer, It's not my fault I rear-ended them... Its a health condition I have... Its in my Genetics..."
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nzo 8:43AM (11/04/2009)
Its ok, in the near future, after their first accident the officer can do an on the spot DNA test and revoke their license permanently.
audi_arena 9:53AM (11/04/2009)
Understanding the underlying causes to poor performance doesn't make it ok. Excuses are still excuses, and regardless of your "genes" lesser obsticals have been overcome...
anonymous j 10:46AM (11/04/2009)
they should start implementing this gene variant testing at the DMV...
chconline 11:08AM (11/04/2009)
"they should start implementing this gene variant testing at the DMV..."
THIS IS DISCRIMINATION OMG YOU CAN'T TAKE AWAY MY RIGHTS BECAUSE I WAS BORN LIKE THAT OMG OMG OMG F U NOOB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!11111111111111111!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!111111111111
F117Nghthawk 11:10AM (11/04/2009)
there should be a dna test at the DMV and if the applicant has this gene they should either be denied a license or have severely crippling insurance to keep them from driving. the majority of the people on these roads are either too old or to incompetent to drive safely and effectively. its annoying quite frankly.
Stumpy 1:26PM (11/04/2009)
I think people that type in CAPS also have this gene.
..
chconline 10:29AM (11/05/2009)
Haha, never heard of sarcasm.
ugg.tryptophan 7:09AM (11/04/2009)
people aren't meant to drive, some compensate with close attention and skill, others should quit while their ahead
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Yipee 7:10AM (11/04/2009)
and out of 90% of those 30% are asians :P
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swimstarguy 8:52AM (11/04/2009)
I was going to say that the 30% were blond but I'm sure there's some crossover.
Brandon 9:11AM (11/04/2009)
You wouldn't say that if you actually visited any Asian countries and saw how they drive. Everyone is an F1 racer. Yes, most of them have bad temper, but they are definitely far better drivers than any other races.
JDM Life 9:58AM (11/04/2009)
Asian WOMEN lol
Azael 10:23AM (11/04/2009)
Maybe you're onto something....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xOO39wyKK4
anonymous j 10:50AM (11/04/2009)
wow, that's not funny. I encounter tons of terrible non Asian drivers daily, most of them Caucasian.
naggs 4:03PM (11/04/2009)
DWO
driving while oriental
Neil41487 7:12AM (11/04/2009)
Last time I checked 29 people isn't a large survey for scientific results and moreso, 7 out of 29 is closer to 25% not 30%...
I'm gonna go with some people are just dumb on the road and others aren't, but be careful out there regardless
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carcomptoy 7:53AM (11/04/2009)
I agree! How can you honestly use 29 specimens as a gauge for all members of a species? Just because you see 29 immature teenagers in a room, doesn't mean all people are immature teenagers--why should this follow for a scientific conclusion?