Importance of vehicle features and in-vehicle technology in the purchase decisions of older drivers’

Advances in vehicle technology may assist older drivers to remain driving for longer and improve the rate of crashes involving older motorists (Yannis, Antoniou, Vardaki, & Kanellaidis, 2010). Therefore, encouraging the adoption of in-vehicle technology by older consumers is vital. An online survey was used to explore the importance placed on vehicle features by older drivers, and to investigate the uptake of advanced vehicle technologies. The study identified vehicle safety features as the most important purchase consideration for older motorists, followed by the manufacturer’s credentials. Most would consider reversing cameras, blind spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control essential features in a new vehicle purchase.