Self-driving cars could be a lifeline for people over 70 to maintain their independence, according to research highlighted in Wales Online. It has been found that a significant number of adults over the age of 70 who drive have concerns about the day they may no longer be able to operate a vehicle, with many strongly opposing the idea of relying on others for transportation. Recent studies conducted by Nissan have revealed that one in five older individuals would be open to using self-driving cars as a way to preserve their autonomy.
In a groundbreaking move, 93-year-old retired comedy scriptwriter Brad Ashton, known for his work with legends like Groucho Marx and Tommy Cooper, had the chance to test drive one of Nissan’s autonomous vehicles in Cranfield, Bedfordshire. Having been driving since 1947 and currently owning a Nissan Micra, Brad embarked on a special 30-minute journey in the self-driving LEAF model through the village’s narrow streets. Reflecting on his experience, Brad expressed his enthusiasm for embracing new technology, stating that he has always wondered about the future of cars and found the autonomous vehicle to be a fantastic innovation.
Brad Ashton emphasized the importance of maintaining independence through driving, revealing that he heavily relies on his car to take care of his wife, Valerie, due to limited local public transport options. The research also highlighted the social isolation faced by individuals living in rural areas, where a significant portion of non-drivers feel disconnected. This contrasted with urban areas where better public transport options are available, resulting in fewer feelings of isolation among non-drivers.
Despite some apprehension, the survey revealed that there is a level of excitement about the potential introduction of self-driving cars in the UK, with 10% of respondents expressing interest. However, the majority admitted to feeling nervous when considering riding in an autonomous vehicle, while others were intrigued or amazed by the concept. The results are part of the evolvAD project, an eight-year research initiative that has successfully completed over 16,000 miles of autonomous driving across various terrains in the UK without any incidents.
David Moss, Senior Vice President of Research and Development at Nissan, commended the project for its potential to address social isolation among elderly individuals who no longer drive. He emphasized the importance of autonomous driving technology in enhancing safety, efficiency, and accessibility for a wider range of people, including those limited by location, age, or disability. Moss expressed his pride in working with dedicated partners to advance autonomous mobility and shared his excitement about the future of autonomous driver services.
Looking ahead, Nissan’s UK team at the Technical Centre Europe in Cranfield is committed to further developing autonomous driving technology to bring convenient and safe mobility solutions to customers in the years to come. Brad Ashton, after his firsthand experience with the self-driving vehicle, humorously commented that future driverless cars should be equipped with the ability to find parking spaces. The potential of self-driving cars to transform transportation for older adults and enhance their independence is a promising development that could shape the future of mobility.