Drivers 50+ want connected car tech, ADAS & self-driving

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It’s not just young people who wanted connected car technology. Many drivers over aged 50 are open to new driver safety features.

According to Hartford insurance survey, 76 percent of drivers age 50 and older who plan to buy a new car will actively seek out high-tech safety features.

Drivers age 50+ who plan to buy a car within the next two years will be seeking:

  • Blind spot warning systems (87 percent).
  • Crash mitigation systems (85 percent).
  • Lane departure warning systems (79 percent).
  • Smart headlights (78 percent).

The majority of drivers age 50 and older (75 percent) think having safety technologies in their vehicle will help extend how long they will be able to continue driving. These drivers say they:

  • Will feel more comfortable and confident while driving (38 percent).
  • Will feel safer while driving (29 percent).
  • Think technology will compensate for driving difficulties (28 percent).

Driver’s Will Adjust Driving Styles

Many mature drivers already adjust when and where they drive so they feel comfortable and safe. Results that indicate that some drivers age 50+ would be more willing to drive in certain situations if they had particular technologies, suggesting they associate advanced technologies with enhanced safety.

Of those who currently limit their driving:

  • 50 percent would be more willing to drive on the highway if they had crash mitigation systems.
  • 41 percent would be more willing to drive long distances if they had adaptive cruise control.
  • 39 percent would be more willing to drive at night if they had smart headlights.
  • 36 percent would be more willing to drive in heavy traffic if they had traffic jam assist.

Drivers age 50 and older would consider purchasing a self-driving car if:

  • It was proven as safe as driving themselves (56 percent).
  • 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).
  • It was cheaper than a regular car (26 percent).
  • It was recommended by someone they trust (17 percent).
  • Overall, 35 percent of drivers age 50+ would be willing to use a driverless car if they could no longer drive safely; 42 percent are unsure, and only 24 percent would not be willing to use one.

To help drivers learn how to maximize the value of these features, The Hartford has committed $1 million over three years to expand its longstanding partnership with AARP Driver Safety to jointly develop an exclusive and innovative vehicle technology education program. Together, The Hartford and AARP Driver Safety aim to help drivers:

  • Understand current and evolving vehicle safety technologies and how to use them
  • Recognize how technologies might enhance their driving safety and extend safe driving years
  • Choose the technologies that best suit their needs