Are High-Tech Cars Too Distracting for Older Drivers?

New cars are loaded with smart options and entertainment systems unlike any previous period in vehicle manufacturing. But a new study suggests that these amenities may be too distracting, especially for older adults. NBC News reports that a new AAA car safety study conducted by researchers from the University of Utah found that older drivers may find smart features more distracting and demanding than younger drivers. The study consisted of a road test given to participants in two separate groups — a younger group with drivers aged 21-36, and an older group with drivers aged 55-75. Each participant was instructed to drive a 2018 car featuring a number of smart technologies. The drivers were told to send a text message, program music, program a navigation system, and place a telephone call using the car's smart features. The results indicated that older drivers experienced greater cognitive and visual demand than younger drivers when trying to complete these tasks. "Quite frankly, when I was driving, I found myself feeling as if I was driving dangerously because of all of those distractions," said one older driver.