Bad Genetics Make Bad Drivers
People with a certain gene variant performed more than 30% worse on a driving test than people without it. This gene variant is present in roughly 30% of Americans, according to the study’s author Steven Cramer, a University of California-Irvine neurology professor.
The culprit is a lack of certain protein called brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which helps brain cells communicate and allows for better memory retention. People with a certain gene variation, however, have limited BDNF secretion. This causes them to make more errors and forget what they have learned about a task or situation after being away from it.
In the study, 29 drivers spent 15 laps on a simulated course with complicated curves and sharp turns. Seven drivers had the gene variant and the rest did not. The drivers without the gene variant navigated the twists more quickly. When the study participants were brought back four days later to repeat the test, the non-variant drivers retained more than their seven counterparts. Both times, the drivers with the gene variant performed less effectively.
Cramer is now interested in the genetics of people who get into car accidents, but he has no way to quickly test for the gene variant.
