Is risky driving a genetic thing? We’d all agree that risky driving is a bad thing, but to truly understand the science behind what causes it we first need to recognise that there is a spectrum of riskiness. To illustrate this point, I have devised a mathematical interpretation on the basis of a probability of 1.0 MARGINAL PROPENSITY FOR RISK + MARGINAL PROPENSITY TO ANTICIPATE = 1.0 On a scale of 0.0 to 1.0 this spectrum of risk will vary from individual to individual. Let’s take an example of driving in dense fog on a winter day. If as a driver, I totally disregard my safe distance and use of speed, I am increasing my risk of being involved in a serious road traffic collision. That means by “marginal propensity to risk”, in other words my personal risk factor, would be high— let’s say 0.8. And correspondingly, my propensity to anticipate the likely outcome of my actions would therefore be quite low—in this particular case being 0.2 (i.e. 1.0 minus 0.8). The key point here is that you, me, and every driver on the roads, has some propensity for risk and some propensity to anticipate. The question is this: what determines how much someone has of each? That’s where the science comes in. In particular, a chemical in the brain called “dopamine” has a huge impact here. Getting technical Dopamine is what scientists refer to as a “neurotransmitter”. That’s just a fancy way of saying dopamine is a chemical that transmits signals in between the nerve cells (neurons) of the brain. Or, if it makes it easier to understand, think of it as “a chemical messenger” Dopamine comes in two varieties: a long version and a short version. People born with the long version are generally involved in taking more risks in their driving. A contributing factor is an enzyme known as “monoamine oxidase” or MNO. This enzyme is quite low during the early years of male’s cerebrum development. Yet as we grow older, this level of enzyme increases thus diminishing the urge to engage in risky and reckless driving. Conclusion As drivers we are in charge of a mechanically propelled machine. In driving we need to minimise this risk by controlling our desire and urges to take risks in spite of poor visibility, weather conditions and heavy flooding on our roads. The gene in itself is not a contributing factor for taking risks on the road. The gene is far too generic, there are different strands of genetic make-up , hence why two peoples DNA is always not the same.
I have only explained the neurotransmitter Dopamine and MNO to fuel my debate on risks associated with driving a mechanically propelled vehicle. The genes make proteins which structures our central nervous system. The neurotransmitter, in this case Dopamine which sends the electrical impulses from the brain onto our neurones needs to be controlled. Even if the levels of the enzyme MNO (part of the genetic make-up) has not gone down to an acceptable level, we need to lower our propensity of risk and not tilt the scale the other way. Good examples are the Captain of Costa Concordia. The Captain clearly knew the risks he was taking with the Cruise liner. He owed a duty of care to his passengers. Tragically, passengers and some crew lost their lives. This was not an accident or an Act of God. This disaster could have been averted. I personally believe that human beings are rational animals. We know what is right and wrong. As we grow older, it is generally accepted that we are more experienced in our driving and should take less risks. However, the M5 crash on the Bonfire night in November 2011 in which seven people died was due to driving too fast for the weather conditions. A total disregard for rule 126 on the use of speed in the Highway Code. We can discipline our self but we need to continuously be on the spectrum of risk. What risk (if any) am I taking? What is the likely (if any) outcome of my actions?
About the Author. Tariq is a Grade 6 Fleet Registered ADI. He has written articles for Which? Consumer Watchdog. Given regular interviews on BBC Radio Essex and on Channel 5 News. He is passionate about driving and to this effect, regularly updates his training with new modern courses He runs his own independent driving school called “Farrah Driver Training�. www.drivingschoolbasildon.com. Visit www.fleetmasteruk.com for other interesting blogs.