As safety technology continues to infiltrate the automotiveindustry, drivers are taking new features into consideration whenshopping for a new car.

A recent survey by Hartford Financial Services Group and theAgeLab at theMassachusetts Institute of Technology examines the vehicletechnology preferences of drivers aged 50 and up.

The survey, called "Looking Forward: Vehicle Technology PreferencesAmong Mature Drivers," reveals that 76 percent of drivers age50 and older who plan to buy a new car will seek out high-techsafety features. In comparison, only 32 percent of drivers age50-plus who bought a car in the past year sought out these vehicletechnologies.

Related: Older drivers seek high-tech safety features ingreater numbers

Of drivers surveyed who plan to buy a car within the next twoyears, these are the technologies they will be seeking:

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  • Blind-spot warning systems (87 percent).
  • Crash-mitigation systems (85 percent).
  • Lane departure warning systems (79 percent).
  • Smart headlights (78 percent).

Increased safety for continued independence

Another reason many mature drivers are taking safetytechnologies into account when shopping for new vehicles is to helpextend how long they will be able to continue driving. Thesedrivers say they:

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  • Will feel more comfortable and confident while driving (38percent).
  • Will feel safer while driving (29 percent).
  • Think technology will compensate for driving difficulties (28percent).

Many mature drivers already adjust when and where they drive sothey feel comfortable and safe. Of those who currently limit theirdriving:

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  • 50 percent would be more willing to drive on the highway ifthey had crash-mitigation systems.
  • 41 percent would be more willing to drive long distances ifthey had adaptive cruise control.
  • 39 percent would be more willing to drive at night if they hadsmart headlights.
  • 36 percent would be more willing to drive in heavy traffic ifthey had traffic-jam assist.

Of interest to many baby boomers are driverless cars, which thesurvey asked drivers why they would consider purchasing one. Readon to see the top five reasons why mature drivers would considerpurchasing a driverless car:

Seventeen percent of driverssurveyed say they would buy an autonomous vehicle if it wasrecommended by someone they trust. (Photo: iStock)

5. The car was recommended by someone theytrust: 17%.

Related: Will self-driving cars bring saferroads?

Twenty-six percent of maturedrivers surveyed said they would consider purchasing a driverlesscar, like the concept pictured above, if it cost less than aregular vehicle. (Photo: iStock) 

4. The vehicle is cheaper than a regular car:26%.

Related: Driverless cars: What are the insuranceimplications?

If a driverless car can help themstay connected to friends and family after they can no longerdrive, 27 percent of baby boomers surveyed say they would purchaseone. (Photo: iStock) 

3. The driverless car helped them stay connected tofriends and family if they could no longer drive:27%.

Related: Three-quarters of U.S. drivers say they'd cedewheel to robot

If autonomous cars can help maturedrivers whose health prevents them from driving, 48 percentsurveyed say they would purchase the vehicle. (Photo:iStock) 

2. Their health prevented them from driving:48%.

Fifty-six percent of driverssurveyed would purchase an autonomous vehicle it was proven to beas safe as driving themselves. (Photo: iStock) 

1. It was proven as safe as drivingthemselves: 56%.

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