Blind Faith: Seniors Relying on Technology to Drive

It may sound Orwellian, the concept of cars driving for us.  But for many senior drivers, in-vehicle technology is a realistic way to continue driving longer and with less stress.  But while new technology is helping seniors maintain their driving freedoms, many motorists are relying too much on devices only designed to help.

A 2008 study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, in collaboration with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, found that many drivers believe the devices are foolproof, and in fact allow technology to take over driving responsibilities including backing up.  The situation is creating new “blind spots,” as motorists are not looking for things they may see with manual checks, but which the devices don’t pick up.  

One in eight Americans is 65 and older, and by 2030 that ratio will be one in five.  In-vehicle technology can help seniors drive longer, but is often misunderstood, the study found.  While helpful, the in-vehicle technology does require driver attention and responsibility:

• Backing Aids:  The study found that many drivers trusted sensor-based parking and backing devices to perceive obstructions the technology actually can’t register, including a child underneath the level of the bumper, a pedestrian more than 10 feet away and narrow sign posts.  Seventeen percent of drivers surveyed said they stopped looking before backing because of total trust in their rear-view camera systems, and 23 percent said they stopped looking over their shoulder due to assumption their backing sensors would see for them. According to the study, drivers 65 and older were more likely to use the systems in the future, but less likely to understand their limitations.

• Adaptive cruise-control is a technology that allows a vehicle to maintain a set distance from the vehicle in front.  But many drivers don’t realize that the system won’t react to slow-moving or stationary cars, such as in stop and go traffic. Seniors were more likely in the survey to say they drove closer than normal due to a new confidence from their cruise control units. 

• Built-in navigation systems could distract drivers who are watching the map or even inputting a new address, something younger drivers were more likely to do in the study.  Senior drivers said they were less likely to use the navigation systems for directions, though many said they were more likely to drive in congested streets with the option.

• Advanced headlight systems were avoided by some drivers who considered them blinding to other motorists, yet 23 percent said they drove faster with the brighter lights.  Senior drivers said in general they were less likely to drive at night.  Many drivers didn’t know what kind of headlights were on their cars.

Blind trust in technology is not only a problem for senior drivers.  In fact, the study, for instance, found that drivers under the age of 65 were twice as likely to rely totally on backing cameras or devices and not look before pulling out.  The study also found that senior drivers found some of the technology too complex and complicated. 

As a leading advocate for motorist safety and rights, AAA Arizona has designed a program to help seniors maintain confidence and their driving freedom in an age where vehicles are becoming more technologically advanced.  The Keeping the Keys workshop is offered free to the general public, including non-AAA Arizona members.  The program provides seniors advice on how to stay behind the wheel despite common health concerns and how to use technology to their benefit, among other tips.

AAA Arizona also offers Roadwise Review: A Tool to Help Seniors Drive Safely Longer, a CD Rom that allows seniors to screen, from the comfort of their homes, eight physical and mental abilities that have been scientifically proven to be predictors of crash risk.  AAA members can purchase the program for $8.99.

Seniors can also enroll in the Mature Driver Safety Course, an online program tailored for those ages 55 and up.  Members save 20 percent, but the course is open to the general public. 

AAA provides user-friendly tips and advice for senior drivers and their families at AAAseniors.com.

Contact AAA Arizona Public Affairs for interviews or more information about the study and AAA Arizona’s programs and efforts to aid senior drivers.  Keeping the Keys workshops are held Valleywide.