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By RMT GPS News

Researchers at the University of the West of England, Bristol, found that an in-car information system from GPS could improve the safety of older drivers, according to Science Daily.

Older drivers currently face difficulty with reading signs which distracts their focus from the road causing them to driver slower. It’s believed that an information system in the vehicle advising them of road signs could increase their reaction time. The system would display road signs, track the vehicles position, and give audible notifications of events, such as, speed, speed limit changes, etc.

Researchers also believe this would build their confidence and give them continued independence. A survey was conducted among 65 to 85 year old men and women. It was determined there was a positive psychological effect with those who were still driving as the freedom gave them a better quality of life.

On the other side there are advocates against older drivers who are trying to place limitations on them. A system is currently in development that will put restrictions on senior’s driving. It would regulate speed and distance between vehicles. A survey shows strong opposition to this new system that would restrict drivers.

Although, the in-car information system utilizing GPS has created favorable interest among many, Dr. Charles Musselwhite, who led the study says, “Our research highlights issues that have been overlooked by car designers and those advising older people on lifestyles.” He also points out that his primary objective is to promote safe driving and independence.

Dr. Charles Musselwhite is not alone in his findings. Researchers at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine have found that seniors who continue driving are less likely to enter nursing homes or assisted living centers than those who have never driven or have given up on driving. An increase in senior independence also makes sense from a financial perspective as nursing homes are costing patients approximately $69,000 annually. The Hopkins study findings were published by the American Journal of Public Health. The study was conducted over a 10-year period 1,593 seniors between 65 and 84 years of age.

“We hope that understanding the very real health impact that losing the ability to drive has on seniors will encourage families to plan contingencies to assist elderly members with transportation issues,” says Ellen Freeman, Ph.D., an epidemiological researcher at Johns Hopkins Wilmer Eye Institute.

Technology developed by Mobileye already offers the ability that could increase the safety of seniors behind the wheel. Their camera-based safety solution for accident prevention offers audible alerts, such as, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and headway monitoring and warning.

The promotion of safe driving by seniors with the use of GPS is not a completely new concept. “It has been our belief for several years that the implementation of GPS tracking technology will improve safety among older drivers and give them the freedom they deserve,” says Brad Borst, President of Rocky Mountain Tracking, Inc., which is one of the leading GPS tracking companies in the United States. In fact, they have written many articles to introduce the idea, such as: Keeping Track of Elderly Relatives, and GPS Tracking Can Help Seniors Stay Independent, just to name a couple.

Borst says family members and care givers are most concerned about the SAFETY of older drivers. The company receives numerous reports that older drivers occasionally have a temporary phase of disorientation and need some guidance getting back to a street they are familiar with to get where they are going. This often leads to the senior being stranded without help and a family member worried not knowing where the elderly person is located.

The company’s RMT Rover GPS vehicle tracking system has provided their GPS to hundreds of elderly drivers. The tracking is conveniently accessible online from any computer allowing the senior additional safety and the care giver peace of mind.