I'm not sure if this should be a Fun-with-Evidence Friday post or not. I've got nothing against training, so perhaps brain exercise programs can improve people's driving. And since Allstate probably has several brilliant actuaries looking at the evidence, I figure it's worth considering.
In an effort to reduce driving accidents, Allstate Insurance is "launching a groundbreaking brain fitness software program, InSight™. Examining the latest advance in driving safety, Allstate believes this innovative program has the potential to improve what could be the most important piece of auto safety equipment - the mind of the driver. Unlike most brain fitness software, InSight is designed to reverse age related cognitive decline and greatly improve a driver's visual alertness. If using the software is successful in reducing accident rates among customers 50 years and older, Allstate hopes to begin offering discounts to drivers who use the computer-based exercises to help improve their mental sharpness. Allstate has entered into a relationship with Posit Science®, the leader in clinically validated brain fitness programs and developer of InSight™, to offer this software program....The Posit Science software has been shown in more than a dozen National Institutes of Health funded studies to improve visual processing skills known to be important for safe driving. The technology has been shown to reduce dangerous driving maneuvers by up to 40% and improve stopping distance by an average of 22 feet when traveling at 55 miles per hour. In fact, scientific studies have demonstrated that training can reduce crash risk by up to 50%. Allstate's roll out is intended to evaluate interest in and effectiveness of this approach to improving driving performance." (Allstate didn't provide links or references for these studies, unfortunately.)
However, they'll raise your premiums if you don't stop playing GTA3. Upon hearing the Allstate announcement, the reliably funny Good Morning Silicon Valley said "The puzzle games are built to exercise things like focus, visual alertness and reactions. Over the course of the trial, playing time will be charted and the driving records of players and non-players will be compared. Allstate says that if a solid correlation can be found between brain fitness training and a lower accident rate, it may offer discounts to those who work out. Any hours spent playing 'Grand Theft Auto' would, of course, work the other way."
But wait, there's more! Another Posit Science product was a popular gift item during San Francisco-based KQED radio's recent fundraising effort (for those of you pledging at the $360 level or higher). According to KQED, the Brain Fitness Program for Families "is a series of computer-based exercises that are scientifically proven to improve important brain functions. No prior computer experience is necessary! The Brain Fitness Program for Families calibrates itself to your skill level. You work at the pace that is right for you."
Happy FEF, everybody!
Driving is now getting more and more difficult for those drivers who are over 55. I would love more information on this..I have four teen drivers..thanks for the good work
Posted by: kevin | Saturday, 15 May 2010 at 06:24 AM