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Thirty-six million adults ages 65 and older still drive in the United States, according to two recent studies conducted by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety and the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute. Over the next ten years as “baby boomers” enter retirement age, driving becomes the norm; not the exception.

Typically, the risk of having accidents, increases as drivers reach their 70s. Aging can bring on a decline in reflexes and alertness. Researchers at AAA examined 16 advanced vehicle technologies to determine the ones which would provide the highest value to older adults. Four were at the top of the list:

1. Forward collision warning/mitigation: These systems can help prevent crashes by warning drivers of a potential collision or by automatically applying the brakes. For older drivers, this technology can improve reaction times and reduce crashes by up to 20 percent.
2. Automatic crash notification: These systems automatically alert emergency services in the event of a crash. Older drivers are more likely to suffer from the serious effects of a crash because of their age, which means these systems can provide a greater safety benefit to seniors.
3. Park assist with rearview display: This technology includes backup cameras and obstacle-detection warning systems, which can help prevent crashes when pulling out of a parking space. About 95 percent of seniors want these systems in their next vehicle, and 55 percent reported that it can help reduce driver stress and workload.
4. Parking assist with cross-traffic warning: These systems utilize radar sensor technology to notify drivers of crossing vehicles when backing out of a parking space, and on some vehicles, the systems automatically can apply the brakes to prevent a collision.

Arthritis sufferers also can experience a difference in driving with knobs which are larger and easier to manage and thicker steering wheels which do not require a driver too close his/her hands so tightly. The shifting column can also have bigger knobs.

Diminished vision is also a problem for seniors. AAA recommends high contrast instrument panels and larger audio and climate controls with contrasting text. Blinding glare can also be prevented by using auto-dimming rearview mirrors and glare reduction side mirrors reducing blinding glare.

Auto Club South (AAA)’s study showed that navigation assistance systems which gather real-time traffic information and adjusts directions to avoid traffic congestion, increases seniors’ confidence and helps them relax when driving.

Also, by avoiding night driving, driving in bad weather, driving in unfamiliar places and during rush-hour traffic will decrease a senior’s probability of being involved in an accident.

“Should you or a loved one be injured in a vehicle accident, it is important to contact an experienced attorney at Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.,” says Naples Vehicle Accident Attorney, Randall Spivey.

Naples Vehicle Accident Attorney, Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one (1%) percent of Florida attorneys.  He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida.  For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at 239.337.7483 or toll free at 1.888.477.4839,or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com.  Visit SpiveyLaw.com for more information.  You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County 239.793.7748.