Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[British study suggests that older drivers are safer drivers]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/01/british-study-suggests-that-older-drivers-are-safer-drivers/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/01/british-study-suggests-that-older-drivers-are-safer-drivers/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/01/british-study-suggests-that-older-drivers-are-safer-drivers/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Contrary to the findings of the Japanese Metropolitan Police, a new study has just been released in Britain which suggests that older drivers are not dangerous on the roads. The Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) data shows that older drivers actually become less of a risk than drivers under the age of thirty. Unfortunately, though, drivers over the age of seventy are more likely to be seriously injured when they do get into an accident. Neil Greig, director of the IAM Motoring Trust suggests that older drivers self-regulate themselves as they realize their abilities are weakening.

Still, the U.K. requires drivers over seventy to renew their licenses every three years, but it's up to the driver to report any physical conditions that could impair their driving. The U.K. government is considering adding new testing requirements for drivers over the age of seventy-five.

In other news, ninety-one percent of teen drivers consider themselves safe, though only 34-percent would say the same for their friends. Feel free to scare yourself by reading an entire press release of teen-driving statistics after the break.

[Sources: What Car, Erie Insurance]

Continue reading British study suggests that older drivers are safer drivers

British study suggests that older drivers are safer drivers originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 May 2008 07:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>elderlyelderly driverselderly-driversElderlyDriversold driversold-driversOldDriversolderolder driversolder-driversOlderDriversThu, 01 May 2008 07:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Tokyo Metropolitan Police urges elderly drivers to give up their licenses]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/02/tokyo-metropolitan-police-urges-elderly-drivers-to-give-up-their/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/02/tokyo-metropolitan-police-urges-elderly-drivers-to-give-up-their/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/02/tokyo-metropolitan-police-urges-elderly-drivers-to-give-up-their/#commentsFiled under: ,

The Tokyo Metropolitan Police have begun a campaign urging elderly drivers to "have the courage to give up your license," according to a message on its website. This effort is in response to the mounting accident rates of Japan's rapidly aging population. Over the past six years, the overall number of accidents has declined in Japan by 20 percent while accidents involving drivers over the age of 70 have skyrocketed by 35 percent. Elderly drivers are being offered various discounts and perks from over 30 different businesses if they are willing to relinquish their licenses.

We can't count the number of times we've heard someone complain about elderly drivers, and if they are willing to hand in their keys or feel as if they may be a hazard, this could be a winning solution. On the other hand, this movement could present an additional problem to the already sagging auto market in Japan, as older drivers make up a large chunk of new car buyers.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd., Reuters]

Tokyo Metropolitan Police urges elderly drivers to give up their licenses originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Apr 2008 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>elderlyelderly driversElderlyDriversjapanoldolderolder driversOlderDriverstokyo policeTokyoPoliceWed, 02 Apr 2008 20:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Nissan using special suit to simulate elderly drivers]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/26/nissan-using-special-suit-to-simulate-elderly-drivers/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/26/nissan-using-special-suit-to-simulate-elderly-drivers/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/26/nissan-using-special-suit-to-simulate-elderly-drivers/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Much like the automotive crash test industry utilizes "dummies" of different statures and body weights to simulate different passenger types, Nissan engineers have developed a special suit to "simulate" the elderly. Nissan went to all this trouble because it anticipates that Baby Boomers will soon command a larger share of automotive sales. It's a preemptive plan to design vehicles that accommodate their needs. Well, some of them, as we don't expect in-dash prune juice dispensers anytime soon.

This innovative suit is comprised of several different components that are each designed to restrict physical movement or reduce vision (interestingly enough, donning the suit does not make the wearer crave early bird specials or migrate to Palm Springs). Dark colored glasses simulate the poor vision and gloves simulate reduced dexterity. Casts on on the body also weigh down the wearer's limbs to simulate arthritic pain. Our favorite is the big thick waist belt designed to simulate the "middle aged spread."

[Source: Nissan via WorldCarFans]

Continue reading Nissan using special suit to simulate elderly drivers

Nissan using special suit to simulate elderly drivers originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Feb 2008 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Baby BoomerBabyBoomerElderlyEngineeringNissanSuitTue, 26 Feb 2008 08:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Steer clear of the youngins on the road and get behind the old guy]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/23/steer-clear-of-the-youngins-on-the-road-and-get-behind-the-old-g/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/23/steer-clear-of-the-youngins-on-the-road-and-get-behind-the-old-g/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/23/steer-clear-of-the-youngins-on-the-road-and-get-behind-the-old-g/#commentsFiled under: , ,

For drivers between the ages of 16 and 24, the price of insurance can seem more than a little unfair. While $125 per month could insure a luxury vehicle for someone in their 30s, a 16 year-old couldn't get such a rate for a Pinto. There's a very simple reason for this disparity; young motorists are by far the most dangerous drivers on the road. A study by the Rand Corporations shows that while 13-percent of all drivers are between the ages of 16 and 24, 43-percent of all accidents come from that age group. It's a good thing everybody seems to be on the phone while driving, it may not hurt as much when you don't see that pimped out Neon coming.

While young drivers are an accident waiting to happen, those over the age of 65 are much safer than their unearned reputation may suggest. Senior citizens make up 15-percent of all drivers, but only cause 7-percent of the total accidents. Maybe it's because people are a little more careful when they see a Crown Victoria on the road, but that AARP discount appears to be well-deserved anyway. Next time you're on the freeway and you see a Buick Roadmaster in the right lane, get behind it, it's probably one of the safest places on the road.

[Source: Reuters]

Steer clear of the youngins on the road and get behind the old guy originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Jul 2007 11:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>65accidentsDrivingElderlyinsuranceTeensMon, 23 Jul 2007 11:34:00 EST<![CDATA[The Driving Dutchman goes 67 years with no tickets, no crashes, and no license]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/22/the-driving-dutchman-goes-67-years-with-no-tickets-no-crashes/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/22/the-driving-dutchman-goes-67-years-with-no-tickets-no-crashes/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/22/the-driving-dutchman-goes-67-years-with-no-tickets-no-crashes/#commentsFiled under:

We're sure that policemen in Holland have seen plenty of strange things. The tiny country gets people from all over the world who can't wait to do all kinds of stuff that they'd never do at home. And we suspect that the Dutch wish they wouldn't do them in Holland, either. This time, though, the noteworthy behavior came from one of their own: at a random police check, an 84-year-old Dutchman admitted that his car was uninsured, that it had never had a vehicle safety test, and that he hadn't had a license for 67 years. The reason he'd never been caught: even though he's been driving since before Pearl Harbor, he's never had an accident or a ticket. So maybe he shouldn't get an honorary license, but perhaps some kind of award is in order...

[Source: Reuters]

The Driving Dutchman goes 67 years with no tickets, no crashes, and no license originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 Jun 2007 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>driverselderlylicensepoliceFri, 22 Jun 2007 18:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Five great vehicles for seniors (and not a Crown Vic in sight)]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/06/five-great-vehicles-for-seniors-and-not-a-crown-vic-in-sight/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/06/five-great-vehicles-for-seniors-and-not-a-crown-vic-in-sight/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/06/five-great-vehicles-for-seniors-and-not-a-crown-vic-in-sight/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



A Golden Age couple asked Savvy Senior writer Jim Miller for recommendations on a new vehicle, but the the couple didn't provide a price range or say if their sunset years are spent driving like Paul Newman or Morgan Freeman. Miller took a guess and based his recommendations on reliability, ease of entry, ability to adjust the seats for comfort, driver visibility, and of course value.

His recommendations, based on data from Edmunds include:
  • 2006 Toyota Avalon (pictured)
  • 2006 Ford Five Hundred
  • 2006 Toyota Prius
  • 2006 Buick Lucerne
  • 2006 Toyota Sienna
Though the list comes from the mind of just one man, what does it say that there are three Toyotas on the list? And is this the type of list on which Ford wants to see its Five Hundred? Not many, however, would argue with the Buick Lucerne's inclusion, except perhaps Tiger Woods. Miller provides his reason for each pick at the link. What would you recommend to an older couple looking to replace their ride?

Related:
Everybody knows Buick is automotive prune juice except for GM. Discuss.

[Source: Blade Plus

Five great vehicles for seniors (and not a Crown Vic in sight) originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 06 Aug 2006 17:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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