. . . and simply because I claim otherwise to the study doesn't mean it's right, either. Studies can be (and many times are) inherently biased towards a sepcific demographic. People will see only what they want to see, many times as well the results can be skewed because of this.Zechnophobe said:
The study makes no mention as to each groups individual demographics. If the non-gamer half were vast-majority female, while the gamer half were vast-majority male . . . the whole results are garbage. It's already been proven that younger males are more apt to take risks while behind the wheel than younger female drivers. Age comes heavily into play, too - if the gamer half are predominantly 19-28, while the non-gamer half are predominantly 29-39, the results are again skewed. Younger drivers are more apt to take risks, or be more or less at the mercy of their in-experience . . . The study also makes no mention as to if there is a certain "time frame" for previous incidents. If such is the case, older drivers will be more apt to have ticked off every box (due to more time being spent on the road). If the study was only regarding "within the last 6 months to a year," that's a different matter entirelly - again, it makes no point in stating the boundaries of the study itself.
So, under such criteria, I have no choice but to deem this yet another tripe survey. If they want it to be taken seriously, the boundaries for the demographics and actions in question must be rigidly defined . . . otherwise, it's simply a biased opinion. But, it won't stop the media from sensationalising such "results," and will only further continue to fuel the notion and negative image that the mass-media and public have of the gaming population.
That, in itself, can not be tolerated. The gaming population as a whole has become the current media scapegoat.
Yes, I read through the list . . . and if it makes you fuzzy:
% stopped by police 22 13 - guilty - have been stopped before for defective equipment (light being out or something frivilous), not speeding or breaking a traffic law
% who use mobile when driving 19 12 - not here, my phone is off while driving - I don't engage in such behaviour, and it irritates me when I see others driving while yakking away . . . even more-so when they can obey posted traffic regulations
% ever made a claim for an accident 30 15 - never, even with my close to 500k miles I've racked up since I first obtained my license 15 years ago
% run a red light in last 12mnths 31 14 - never. Having a driver's license (especially in good standing) is mandatory for my field of work. Negative impacts on my record could jeapordize my ability to remin employed, as well as a few work-related licenses I have
% driven wrong way down 1-way street 13 10 - never. one-way roads are clearly posted. Ending up on traveling the wrong way is a clear indication of not paying attention to traffic signs, and a clear indication of being distracted in some way shape, or form. Even if traveling illegally against traffic flow would circumvent miles worth of travel, it's not an excuse
% hit stationary object when parking 22 13 - never. See the above regarding accident claims
% accidently clipped a car but kept quiet 19 11 - never. See above
% take risks (accelerate too quickly, overtake) 44 21 - quite frequently . . . but define "risk." Many such maneuvers I must undergo are to duplicate a customer's concern regarding their vehicle. There's a difference between, though, someone in my situation knowing a vehicles limits and capabilities, and how to compensate for them, and someone who has no idea. Such is simply part of our day-to-day work experiences.
% suffer road rage 45 22 - not to the extent the media protrays "road rage," but, I'll be the first to admit to becoming highly aggitated by other drivers . . . what instigates such frustration, though, are drivers not willing to yield right-of-way, or who are too engrossed by their phones or passengers to pay attention to road signs
% who speed 25 13 - guilty here, but in our region, everyone travels at least 5 miles over the speed limit (if not 10 on major throughways). Our law enforcement officers are even worse, sometimes excessively speeding even on city roads. I've never pushed 15 miles over, though . . . that 15-20 over range is considered "reckless driving" in our state, and you face the possibility of losing your license and/or vehicle, and the possibility of jail time and heavy fines. See above regarding taking a risk that would put my license in jeapordy
% scare others with their driving 26 11 - everyone is guilty of this. There is not one driver out there who hasn't scarred another driver at some point or another un-intentionaly. Now, driving to intentionally scare another driver is a different story, in which case I state not guilty.
Attempts before passing test 2 3 - passed but the written and practicaly driving tests on my first go-round
No. of prangs to their vehicle in last 12months 1 2 -none
... how do you smell
