Older Drivers Amenable to Safety Tech If It'll Keep Them on the Road

CARS.COM - Older drivers oftentimes are stereotyped as being slow to adapt - or even downright resistant - to new technologies. In some cases, like with self-driving cars, there's evidence to support that. But the picture changes quite a bit when mature motorists consider advanced driver-assist and safety features as a means of prolonging their time behind the wheel.

Related: Car Insurers Reportedly Behind on Safety-Tech Discounts

A new study by investment and insurance company The Hartford and the MIT AgeLab showed that more than three-quarters of drivers who are older than 50 and plan to purchase a new car within the next two years intend to seek out advanced safety technology. That's a big leap of faith in features compared with the 32 percent of older drivers who bought a car in the past year and reported having actively sought out safety tech.

Among respondents in the market for driver-assist and safety technology, 87 percent are interested in blind spot warning, 85 percent in crash mitigation systems, 79 percent in lane departure warning and 78 percent in adaptive headlights. Their rationale? If it extends their ability to drive additional years or removes existing limitations already on their driving.

A full 75 percent of the more than 2,000 drivers surveyed from across the U.S. felt new safety technologies can improve their longevity behind the wheel. More than a quarter said they believe these features will compensate for driving difficulties they have. Meanwhile, among those who currently limit their driving in certain situations, half said they'd be more willing to drive on the highway with a crash mitigation system; 41 percent would drive long distances more with adaptive cruise control; and 39 percent would drive at night more with adaptive headlights.

And on the divisive topic of autonomous cars, mature drivers would consider purchasing one if:

• It was proven to be as safe as driving themselves, with 56 percent reporting so.
• Their health prevented them from driving (48 percent).
• It helped them stay connected to friends and family if they could no longer drive (27 percent).

"With the changes in vehicle technology over the last five years, it's critical for drivers to stay updated and informed," said Kyle Rakow, vice president and national director of AARP Driver Safety, in a statement.

To facilitate this, AARP has partnered with The Hartford on a three-year expansion of an existing driver safety program focusing on vehicle-technology education for older drivers. The Hartford also offers a discount to older drivers whose cars have certain safety technologies.