Be Extra Careful Driving Home after a Close Game . . .

. . . if your team wins!  It seems that traffic fatalities can be related to the result of games – especially close ones.  The research is reported in the Journal of Consumer Research, and comes from the North Carolina State University and the University of South Carolina.  

The researchers examined data from 271 sporting events (football and basketball games) that took place over an 8-year period.  The scores were used to rate the closeness of each game, along with ratings from avid sports fans.  Game closeness was examined in relation to the National Highway Safety Administration’s traffic fatality database, using the number of fatal accidents occurred in the appropriate city on the date of the game.

There were two main findings.  First, the closer the game, the more automobile fatalities there were, especially those involving alcohol.  Second, the increased number of fatalities only happened in locations with high numbers of winning fans (i.e. game sites and winning hometowns).  There was no increase in fatalities in losing teams’ hometowns.    

It was thought that increased traffic accidents after sports events were related to the alcohol consumed by fans.  But this study shows there’s an additional element – something related to winning a close game.  Could it be testosterone-induced aggressiveness?  Further studies may reveal more clues.