Is it possible that playing computer games can enhance the driving skills of people over 50? Allstate, a large Insurance company, is seeking an answer and, if true, the company could offer discounts to drivers who play computer games.

With a new pilot program called InSight, Allstate will offer specialized games to 100,00 customers ages 50-75 in Pennsylvania. The developer of the games, San Francisco based Posit Science will track the total number of hours played. The study group’s accident rates will then be compared to a control group of drivers who didn’t play the games. It is important to note that the games are not designed specifically for driving, but for reversing age-related cognitive decline and improvement of visual alertness.

For example, in a game named “Jewel Diver”, players have to track underwater jewels that appear on the screen for a moment and then become hidden behind a fish. Players have to click on where the swimming fish is. The level of difficulty increases when more fish are added.

Allstate recommends that study participants complete at least 10 hours of training. The Pennsylvania drivers receive the games for free and other states may be added later on.

According to a nine year study, although drivers at ages 50-60 have the lowest accident rates of all drivers, in the mid 60s this rate starts to climb again. If successful this new approach will save not just dollars but clearly lives as well.

Who said American automotive innovation is over?!

For its 100th anniversary, not to mention the lagging sales in the traditional auto markets, General Motors is introducing the first mass produced electric car, the Chevrolet Volt.

Let’s looks at both the drawbacks and the advantages of the Volt over existing cars. First, the drawbacks: The car still requires gasoline for long trips. For the first 40 miles, the trip is solely battery powered, but for greater distances, a small gas engine recharges the batteries. Since the ultimate moving force behind the car is electricity, this is still considered a true electric car, and not a hybrid. The overall distance a Volt can cover is a respectable 300+ miles.

Also, the price for the Volt is not yet known. Another electric car called Tesla, which is actually a limited production sports car, costs $100,000. It is highly unlikely that the Volt would cost this much, but estimates range from $30,000-$50,000, which still wouldn’t make it an overnight success in Chevy dealerships.

It is important to note that if electric cars do become hugely successful at some point, it is logical to assume that this would result in significant demand on the electric grid. With all the talk about global warming, pollution, and energy security, it is conceivable that this would provide additional push for alternative sources of energy to become commonplace.

The benefits: The Volt can reach a top speed of 100 MPH, which is respectable, considering most drivers never reach anywhere near that speed in a traditional car. The Volt also seats a family of 4 comfortably, so gone is the idea of a golf cart-type new age vehicle. Additionally, the interior is slick and, being part of a new technology, cutting edge.

Notably, charging the car at home is done via a normal electric cord, thus achieving a zero learning curve for the consumer.

The car is intended for practical drivers that are environmentally conscious and people that are willing to give the American car another chance vs. the successful import hybrids. Once the car becomes available in 2010, let’s see if this innovation indeed returns a lasting spotlight to the American automobile…