This study compared the views of two groups of drivers, those aged 40 to 55 years, and those aged 65 years and older in respect of vehicle features that may enhance occupant safety. When asked directly, what makes vehicles safer, younger drivers (40-55 years) nominated airbags, impact or crumple zones and ABS brakes significantly more often than those aged over 65 years. This suggests that younger drivers know about vehicle safety features, but do not make safety a priority when purchasing a vehicle. Older drivers, however, have significantly less knowledge regarding vehicle safety features. Older drivers were also significantly less likely to have a driver's airbag or ABS brakes in their current vehicle. It was concluded that, older drivers, and drivers more generally, need to be informed, and perhaps persuaded, about the benefits of vehicle safety features in providing protection in the event of a crash. The literature suggests that encouraging older people to drive safer vehicles has the potential to reduce their injury severity/fatality risk, and that of their passengers, in the event of a crash. (Author/publisher) For the covering entry of this conference, please see ITRD abstract no. E210298.
Abstract