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Technology November 2012

Top Ten Automotive Safety Technologies for Mature Drivers

By Bill Siuru

Reverse monitoring systems detect and warn of objects to the rear of the vehicle to help drivers judge distances and back up safely, and help drivers with reduced flexibility.

Thinking of buying a new vehicle? If you haven't been in a dealer's showroom in a few years you will probably be confronted with lots of new technology --- vehicle stability control, parking assistance, voice activation, and more. New technologies usually first appear on high-end models, the ones seniors are more likely to purchase, and trickle down to lower priced ones.

Recently, the Hartford and MIT AgeLab identified the top technologies for mature drivers. According Jodi Olshevski, gerontologist at The Hartford, "While older drivers as a group are relatively safe, these technologies can help to enhance their abilities and promote safe driving for a lifetime." They reviewed 25 new technologies and identified the top ten that can most benefit mature drivers.

  1. Smart headlights (also called adaptive headlights) adjust the range and intensity of light based on the distance of traffic. They also reduce glare and improve night vision.
  2. Emergency response systems (GM's OnStar is the most popular example) offer quick assistance to drivers in the case of a medical emergency or collision. They allow emergency personnel to get to the scene more quickly. Most detect airbag deployment and contact first responders.
  3. Reverse monitoring systems detect and warn of objects to the rear of the vehicle to help drivers judge distances and back up safely, and help drivers with reduced flexibility.
  4. Blind spot warning systems warn drivers of objects in blind spots, especially while changing lanes and parking, and help those with limited range of motion.
  5. Lane departure warning monitors the vehicle's position and warns the driver if the vehicle deviates outside the lane, helping drivers stay in their lane — sort of a high-tech version of "rumble strips."
  6. Vehicle stability control (often called Electronic Stability Program - ESP, or Dynamic Stability Control - DSC) automatically brings the vehicle back in the intended line of travel, particularly in situations where the driver underestimates the angle of a curve or experiences weather effects. They reduce the likelihood of a crash.
  7. Assistive parking systems enable vehicles to park on their own or indicates distance to objects, reducing driver stress, making parking easier, and increasing the places that a driver can park.
  8. Voice activated systems allow drivers to access features by voice command so they can keep focused on the road and help prevent distracted driving.
  9. Crash mitigation systems detect when the vehicle may be in danger of a collision and can help to minimize injuries to passengers.
  10. Drowsy driver alerts monitor the degree to which a driver may be inattentive while on the road and helps alert drivers to the driving task.

The Hartford and MIT AgeLab suggests seniors take a couple of steps to understand and best use these new safety technologies. If you are choosing a new vehicle or need assistance with your current vehicle, work with a trusted dealer who can explain the benefits and uses of the various technologies available. Search the Internet to find how the technologies work – usually there are You Tube videos that visually explain things. Also consult the owners manual. For more information on mature drivers: www.thehartford.com/lifetime and www.youtube.com/thehartford.

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