Drivers over 50 in Oklahoma and throughout the United States may make car safety technology a priority in the years ahead based on a survey from the MIT AgeLab and the insurance company the Hartford. According to their study, among drivers older than 50 who were going to purchase a new vehicle in the next two years, 75 percent planned to make safety technology a top priority. This is in contrast to two years ago when only around a third of drivers in the same age group had the same priority.
Experts believe this bodes well for increased safety and independence for older drivers. The over-70 population is growing. In 2014, there were 31 million people over the age of 70 nationwide, but the U.S. Census Bureau predicts that number will rise to 54 million by 2030. Around 4 out of 5 are likely to have driver’s licenses, but some limitations could make driving more dangerous for older adults. If their range of motion is limited, they might not be able to safely scan the entire area for hazards. They might also be more prone to injury in accidents or confusion at busy intersections.
Safety technology, including adaptive headlights and automated parking, will make driving safer for those individuals. Tesla already offers test models of cars with autopilot features, and as technology becomes more advanced, senior drivers may need assistance with learning about how these features work.
Despite the increasing prevalence of safety technology in vehicles, car accidents remain common and may lead to serious injuries. An injured person might want to discuss the situation with an attorney. For example, if another driver or another party is responsible for the accident, the injured person might want to file a lawsuit to seek compensation.