New cars these days are increasingly being built with younger drivers in mind. That and technological advancements, both in terms of manufacturer promoted features as well as regulation dictated measures means that the days of the simple automobile are all but over.
There is a tonne of gadgets and gizmos in today’s cars with each vying for their share of attention from the driver and other passengers. But car technology for older drivers is still a niche area, as manufacturers grapple with the concept of advanced, safer automobiles that can be used with ease. That being said, there are a few ways in which tech is helping the older folk get better behind the wheel.
Reversing cameras or sensors are a common feature in a new car these days. Essentially working through sound waves bouncing off sensors embedded in the bumper, or via a camera mounted at the rear, they help drivers reverse & park cars with great confidence and ease.
Even some of the more common place piece of car technology, like electronic power steering systems (ePAS) for example, are making life easier for older drivers. While they’d most likely learned on vehicles with no external steering assistance, the fact that the cars today, can be steered with a minimal amount of effort certainly helps things.
Even the lighting systems on present day cars are much brighter and better than before. Halogen bulbs, projector lamp setups, xenon HID’s and the occasional LED headlights - they’re all helping drivers see better from behind the wheel.
Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABS) and Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) systems are two other pieces of kit found on most new cars these days which help drivers brake and steer better in varying road conditions.
Similarly, air-bags, including side and curtain air-bags that are starting to be seen on some of the lower segment offerings too is an example of car technology making things easier for drivers across age groups.
Design advancements and better manufacturing has led to new cars being structurally sound to a higher degree than they’ve ever been in the past. From specially designed crumple zones, to using tailored blanks of varying thickness in the building of cars, manufacturers are leaving no stone unturned in their bid to make things safer on the road.
As car technology advances even further in the coming years, things are going to get easier behind the wheel, which means that older drivers shall continue to remain mobile for a long time to come.
