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Video Games and the IPDE Process: Applying Gaming Skills to Safer Driving
Abstract
The Identify, Predict, Decide, and Execute (IPDE) process is a cognitive framework designed to help individuals navigate complex driving environments. While traditionally taught in formal training, its principles can be consciously applied by individuals seeking to improve their own driving performance. This paper explores how skills developed through video games—such as hazard recognition, predictive reasoning, decision-making under pressure, and rapid execution—can reinforce IPDE. Furthermore, it provides strategies for transferring these abilities into real-world driving. The findings suggest that individuals can intentionally apply gaming-based cognitive and perceptual skills to become safer, more effective drivers.
Introduction
Driving is a cognitively demanding task requiring attention, foresight, and rapid responses to unpredictable events. One structured method to manage these demands is the IPDE process, which stands for Identify, Predict, Decide, Execute. While the framework is typically presented in formal training contexts, its steps are universally applicable to anyone seeking to improve their personal driving habits.
Interestingly, many of the same mental processes cultivated in video games parallel the IPDE cycle. Games often require rapid environmental scanning, anticipation of future events, quick decision-making, and precise execution—skills that map directly onto safe driving practices (Green & Bavelier, 2003; Bediou et al., 2018). The purpose of this paper is to examine how individuals can transfer gaming-trained abilities into conscious use of the IPDE process and outline strategies for implementing these skills while driving.
Identify: Applying Gaming Awareness to Hazard Detection
The Identify stage involves scanning for hazards such as traffic signals, pedestrians, or sudden lane changes. Research demonstrates that video game players often exhibit enhanced visual attention and can track multiple moving objects more effectively than non-gamers (Green & Bavelier, 2003).
Application strategy: Individuals can apply this skill by adopting a “dynamic scanning” habit on the road—regularly shifting their visual focus between far-distance traffic, side mirrors, and blind spots. Much like monitoring a full game screen rather than a single point of focus, this strategy reduces inattentional blindness and increases situational awareness.
Predict: Anticipating Outcomes with Strategic Thinking
The Predict step requires anticipating possible hazards and outcomes before they occur. Gamers routinely employ predictive reasoning, whether forecasting an opponent’s move or anticipating environmental changes in a racing simulator. This predictive mindset is valuable when driving, where anticipating the actions of other road users can prevent collisions.
Application strategy: Drivers can deliberately run “if–then” scenarios during trips. For example: If the car ahead suddenly brakes, then I will check the right lane for space to merge. Such preemptive reasoning, common in gaming strategy, strengthens predictive ability and reduces reaction time.
Decide: Making Informed and Rapid Choices
The Decide phase requires drivers to choose the safest action among alternatives. Video games train players to make decisions quickly under time pressure while weighing multiple factors. Evidence suggests that gamers show improved decision-making speed and accuracy compared to non-gamers (Bediou et al., 2018).
Application strategy: On the road, drivers can adopt the principle of “pre-loaded decisions.” By consciously noting escape routes or lane alternatives in advance, they minimize hesitation during unexpected events. This mirrors the pre-emptive decision-making process common in competitive gaming environments.
Execute: Coordinating Actions with Precision
The Execute step translates cognitive decisions into physical control of the vehicle. Gaming has been shown to improve hand-eye coordination and reaction times (Dye, Green, & Bavelier, 2009), which can enhance a driver’s ability to respond smoothly and accurately under pressure.
Application strategy: Drivers can focus on controlled execution, practicing steady braking, smooth steering, and consistent acceleration. The precision and rhythm learned through controller or simulation gameplay can support measured and effective vehicle control.
Integrating Gaming Skills Into Personal Driving Practice
The challenge for individuals is not simply recognizing that gaming builds transferable skills but intentionally applying those skills while driving. The following strategies may facilitate this transfer:
- Self-reflection after driving – Reviewing one’s performance, similar to analyzing gameplay, to identify missed hazards or delayed reactions.
- Mental mapping – Using gaming-like spatial awareness to maintain a mental map of surrounding vehicles.
- Cognitive warm-ups – Engaging in short attention or reaction exercises (including certain video games) before long drives to prime cognitive alertness.
- Goal-setting – Treating each drive as a “mission” to arrive safely, reinforcing the habit of applying IPDE consciously rather than reactively.
Conclusion
The IPDE process provides a structured approach for managing the complexity of driving, and video games naturally cultivate many of the cognitive and perceptual skills it requires. While gaming alone does not guarantee safer driving, individuals can consciously transfer these abilities to real-world contexts by practicing dynamic scanning, predictive reasoning, rapid decision-making, and precise execution. By doing so, drivers can enhance their safety and performance, transforming entertainment-based skills into practical life applications.
References
Bediou, B., Adams, D. M., Mayer, R. E., Tipton, E., Green, C. S., & Bavelier, D. (2018). Meta-analysis of action video game impact on perceptual, attentional, and cognitive skills. Psychological Bulletin, 144(1), 77–110. https://doi.org/10.1037/bul0000130
Dye, M. W., Green, C. S., & Bavelier, D. (2009). Increasing speed of processing with action video games. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 18(6), 321–326. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-8721.2009.01660.x
Green, C. S., & Bavelier, D. (2003). Action video game modifies visual selective attention. Nature, 423(6939), 534–537. https://doi.org/10.1038/nature01647