Technical Paper
New Technology Considerations for Mature Drivers
1990-02-01
900192
It is doubtful whether a vehicle designed specifically as an “old person's car” could ever achieve success inasmuch as the culture in which we exist assigns only the most negative of attributes to such characterizations. Nevertheless, there are numerous vehicle technologies that are emerging or under longer range development that may be of special benefit to the elderly. This paper will discuss these technologies, and explain how they might help offset some of the declines in vision and cognition that mature drivers experience through aging. Concern over the mature driver and his or her capabilities to drive safely have received increased emphasis within the private and public sectors over the past several years. While such a concern is appropriate, it would not exist today if automobile manufacturers over the years had failed to develop the various power assist technologies that have enabled adults to continue driving well into advanced age.