Smart headlights, emergency response systems and reversemonitoring features rank highest in car technologies that enhancethe abilities and promote safe driving for older motorists,according to a new study by The Hartford and MIT AgeLab.

Using more than a decade of research on older driver safety, TheHartford and MIT AgeLab worked with a panel of experts in driving,aging and technology to examine 25 new technologies designed tobenefit mature drivers, who are more likely than other age groupsto purchase the types of vehicles that contain moderntechnology.

Jodi Olshevski, gerontologist at The Hartford, said:”While olderdrivers as a group are relatively safe, these technologies can helpto enhance their abilities and promote safe driving for alifetime.”

The Hartford maintains a top technologies list (www.thehartford.com/lifetime)which drivers can match with their vehicle manuals to understandwhat their car is equipped with and how the features work.

The study also recommends three steps older drivers shouldconsider for their driving wellness:

1. Be a healthy driver. Get regularphysicals and annual eye exams, consider the side effects ofmedications and exercise regularly.

2. Keep learning. Take a driversafety course such as the one offered through AARP DriverSafety.

3. Adjust to changes in drivingskills. Be aware of normal age-related changes and make appropriateadjustments to driving.

See the following slideshow for the top 10 most populartechnologies.

1. Smart headlights adjust the range andintensity of light based on the distance of traffic and to reduceglare and improve night vision.

2. Emergency response systems offer quickassistance to drivers in case of a medical emergency orcollision, often allowing emergency personnel to get to the scenemore quickly.

3. Reverse monitoring systems warn of objectsto the rear of the vehicle to help drivers judge distances and backup safely, and helps drivers with reduced flexibility.

4. Blind spot warning systems warn drivers ofobjects in blind spots, especially while changing lanes andparking, and help those with limited range of motion.

5. Lane departure warning monitors thevehicle's position and warns the driver if the vehicle deviatesoutside the lane, helping drivers stay in their lane.

6. Vehicle stability control helps toautomatically bring the vehicle back in the intended line oftravel, particularly in situations where the driver underestimatesthe angle of a curve or experiences weather effects, and reducesthe likelihood of a crash.

7. Assistive parking systems enable vehicles topark on their own or indicate distance to objects, reducing driverstress, making parking easier and increasing the places that adriver can park.

8. Voice activated systems allow drivers toaccess features by voice command so they can keep focused on theroad.

9. Crash mitigation systems detect when thevehicle may be in danger of a collision and can help minimizeinjuries to passengers.

10. Drowsy driver alerts monitor the degree towhich a driver may be inattentive while on the road and help alertdrivers to the driving task.

For a more detailed list of the top ten technologies, freeguidebooks, practical tools and an informational video, visitwww.thehartford.com/lifetime and www.youtube.com/thehartford.