Canadian media outlets have jumped all over the tragic death of Tahir Khan, a taxi driver who was killed when an 18-year-old, racing his parents’ Mercedes, collided into Khan’s vehicle. The other teen involved in the street race initially fled the scene, but later returned. Police later found a copy of Need For Speed Most Wanted on the front seat of one of the vehicles involved in the grim incident.
Both teens have been charged with criminal negligence causing death and face maximum sentences of life in prison. As has been the case in the past, the media has suggested video games, specifically NFSMW, as a motive for the deadly crime. [Joystiq]
I think that the game may have had an influence on the teen’s driving, however since he/she is 18 I think they would have had enough inteligence not to do such thing purely just from the game. Unless he/she was off his/her face then they would have enough control over themselves to stop it. But because this has happened the media will overcover this and make a bigger deal out of it trying to blame the whole thing on the game.
As a side note I have this game for Xbox 360 and it rocks! It does have high speed car chases and crashing, on and off road, but I am 15 and I didn’t get the ‘message’ that they say these types of games have. I sure as hell wouldn’t even think of trying anything near to it. Even though the game’s graphics are extremely realistic I can still tell that I’m staring at a TV.
