Technological advances are not just limited to our phones and computers. In recent years, cars have become more innovative, including features intended to keep drivers safer on the road.
For mature drivers (age 50 and older), the knowledge that they are being assisted by vehicular technologies helps boost their confidence on the road, allowing them to feel safer and more in control, according to a recent survey conducted by the Hartford and MIT AgeLab.
See Also: Top technologies designed for this demographic
A total of 927 drivers 50 and older responded to the Hartford's survey (the company says for statistical analysis, the weighted number of cases is 874). Fifty-one percent of these respondents said they would feel safer if their car had up-to-date technologies, but, in most cases, greater percentages said a given technology would make them feel at least somewhat safe when the respondents were presented with each individual option.
Click "next" to see mature drivers' top technology preferences.
(Percentages do not add up to 100 because participants could choose two different technologies as their top choices).
10. Assistive Parking Systems
These systems enable vehicles to park on their own and often can indicate distance from the vehicle to foreign objects that may be in the way. Assistive parking systems succeed in making parking easier, relieving stress for the driver while also increasing the number 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 Activated Systems
In many states, driving hands free is not only an option, but a law. Keeping drivers' hands off their cell phones or away from the radio dial has long been an issue of safety, and vehicles are adapting to fit this need. Systems activated by voice command allow drivers to access the car's features, but keep their eyes on the road 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. Smart Headlights
With reduced visibility, driving at night can be dangerous and scary for many drivers. Smart headlights are able to adjust the range and intensity of light based on the distance of traffic, reducing glare and improving night vision, allowing many to feel safer 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 Departure Warning
Many accidents occur when drivers unknowingly drift into other lanes. Able to monitor a vehicle's position, lane departure warnings can assist drivers by issuing a warning if the vehicle strays 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 Stability Control
Vehicle stability control automatically brings a vehicle back into the intended line of travel. In situations in which a driver over or underestimates the angle of a curve, or if a car begins to experience weather effects, this system can help reduce the likelihood 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 Monitoring Systems
Assisting drivers in backing up safely, reverse monitoring systems, such as rear-view back up cameras, can help drivers to judge the distances behind them, see any potential obstructions and ultimately 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 Driver Alerts
If this system feels as though the driver is not attentive to what is occurring on the road, drowsy driver alerts can bring a drivers' attention back to the task at hand, preventing potential accidents.
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 Response Systems
Some vehicles have emergency response systems that offer assistance to drivers in the event of a collision or medical emergency. Emergency personnel can then arrive at the scene more quickly, potentially saving the lives of the driver and passengers.
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 Mitigation Systems
Crash mitigation systems are able to detect when a vehicle is in danger of collision and react to help minimize injuries to the vehicle'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 Warning Systems
Blind spot warning systems were cited as the top technology pick for mature drivers. Issuing a warning when an object is detected in a driver's blind spot can help drivers be aware of their surroundings and use caution when changing lanes or parking. It is also particularly helpful for drivers who have a limited range of motion, helping them to safely merge into a new lane with the assurance 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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