Technological advances are not just limited to our phones andcomputers. In recent years, cars have become more innovative,including features intended to keep drivers safer on theroad.
|For mature drivers (age 50 and older), the knowledge that theyare being assisted by vehicular technologies helps boost theirconfidence on the road, allowing them to feel safer and more incontrol, according to a recent survey conducted by the Hartford andMIT AgeLab.
|See Also:Top technologies designed for this demographic
|A total of 927 drivers 50 and older responded to the Hartford'ssurvey (the company says for statistical analysis, the weightednumber of cases is 874). Fifty-one percent of these respondentssaid they would feel safer if their car had up-to-datetechnologies, but, in most cases, greater percentages said a giventechnology would make them feel at least somewhat safe when therespondents were presented with each individual option.
|Click "next" to see mature drivers' top technologypreferences.
|(Percentages do not add up to 100 because participantscould choose two different technologies as their top choices).
||10. Assistive ParkingSystems
|
These systems enable vehicles to park on their own and often canindicate distance from the vehicle to foreign objects that may bein the way. Assistive parking systems succeed in making parkingeasier, relieving stress for the driver while also increasing thenumber of places that a driver can park.
|What mature drivers said:
| Top vehicle technology preference | 2% |
| Would make them feel at least somewhat safe | 44% |
| Currently have this technology | 3% |
9. Voice ActivatedSystems
|
In many states, driving hands free is not only an option, but alaw. Keeping drivers' hands off their cell phones or away from theradio dial has long been an issue of safety, and vehicles areadapting to fit this need. Systems activated by voice command allowdrivers to access the car's features, but keep their eyes on theroad and hands on the wheel.
|What mature drivers said:
| Top vehicle technology preference | 8.2% |
| Would make them feel at least somewhat safe | 46% |
| Currently have this technology | 11% |
8. SmartHeadlights
|
With reduced visibility, driving at night can be dangerous andscary for many drivers. Smart headlights are able to adjust therange and intensity of light based on the distance of traffic,reducing glare and improving night vision, allowing many to feelsafer on the road.
|What mature drivers said:
| Top vehicle technology preference | 9.9% |
| Would make them feel at least somewhat safe | 65% |
| Currently have this technology | 15% |
7. Lane DepartureWarning
|
Many accidents occur when drivers unknowingly drift into otherlanes. Able to monitor a vehicle's position, lane departurewarnings can assist drivers by issuing a warning if the vehiclestrays from the lane.
|What mature drivers said:
| Top vehicle technology preference | 11.8% |
| Would make them feel at least somewhat safe | 62% |
| Currently have this technology | 2% |
6. Vehicle StabilityControl
|
Vehicle stability control automatically brings a vehicle backinto the intended line of travel. In situations in which a driverover or underestimates the angle of a curve, or if a car begins toexperience weather effects, this system can help reduce thelikelihood of a crash.
|What mature drivers said:
| Top vehicle technology preference | 15.3% |
| Would make them feel at least somewhat safe | 67% |
| Currently have this technology | 15% |
5. Reverse MonitoringSystems
|
Assisting drivers in backing up safely, reverse monitoringsystems, such as rear-view back up cameras, can help drivers tojudge the distances behind them, see any potential obstructions andultimately back up safely.
|What mature drivers said:
| Top vehicle technology preference | 20.2% |
| Would make them feel at least somewhat safe | 73% |
| Currently have this technology | 14% |
4. Drowsy DriverAlerts
|
If this system feels as though the driver is not attentive towhat is occurring on the road, drowsy driver alerts can bring adrivers' attention back to the task at hand, preventing potentialaccidents.
|What mature drivers said:
| Top vehicle technology preference | 23.6% |
| Would make them feel at least somewhat safe | 69% |
| Currently have this technology | 1% |
3. Emergency ResponseSystems
|
Some vehicles have emergency response systems that offerassistance to drivers in the event of a collision or medicalemergency. Emergency personnel can then arrive at the scene morequickly, potentially saving the lives of the driver andpassengers.
|What mature drivers said:
| Top vehicle technology preference | 23.7% |
| Would make them feel at least somewhat safe | 69% |
| Currently have this technology | 11% |
2. Crash MitigationSystems
|
Crash mitigation systems are able to detect when a vehicle is indanger of collision and react to help minimize injuries to thevehicle's passengers.
|What mature drivers said:
| Top vehicle technology preference | 25.6% |
| Would make them feel at least somewhat safe | 71% |
| Currently have this technology | 3% |
1. Blind Spot WarningSystems
|
Blind spot warning systems were cited as the top technology pickfor mature drivers. Issuing a warning when an object is detected ina driver's blind spot can help drivers be aware of theirsurroundings and use caution when changing lanes or parking. It isalso particularly helpful for drivers who have a limited range ofmotion, helping them to safely merge into a new lane with theassurance that his blind spots are clear.
|What mature drivers said:
| Top vehicle technology preference | 59.9% |
| Would make them feel at least somewhat safe | 78% |
| Currently have this technology | 4% |
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