Seniors could possibly lead semi-automated vehicle revolution: study

By Blair Adams

A new study is suggesting senior drivers in this country could play a leadership role in the safe adoption of semi-automated vehicles.

The Traffic Injury Research Foundation study analyzed data regarding the knowledge, attitudes and practices of senior drivers collected from focus groups, as well as an online survey over 2,600 people.

TIRF says results showed that older drivers recognize the potential of semi-automated technology to increase their safety on the road and instill greater confidence in their ability to drive under challenging conditions that are typically avoided.

The foundation says those surveyed also recognize the technology can enhance mobility among older drivers, helping them to safely prolong their driving years and mitigate errors associated with age-related factors such as perceptual, cognitive and physical declines that can degrade their ability to perform common driving maneuvers.

“Our findings were quite surprising and showed that older drivers are very receptive to using semi-automated vehicles,” said Robyn Robertson, President and CEO of TIRF. 

“This is counter-intuitive as the adoption of new technologies is typically associated with a young demographic.”

“It appears that senior drivers are poised to take on a leadership role in the transformation of our country's vehicle fleet given their safe driving behaviour and their openness to learning about new technologies that might help them,” Robertson added.

Those aged 65 and older currently represent one in seven Canadians. 

The study was funded by the Toyota Canada Foundation.

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