Use of Advanced In-Vehicle Technology by Young and Older Early Adopters: Survey Results on Headlamp Systems. Traffic Safety Facts

摘要

High intensity discharge (HID) headlamps and especially directionally adaptive headlamps are still relatively new technologies in the U.S. passenger vehicle fleet. Many drivers limit their nighttime driving as they get older. Driving at night may be especially difficult for some older drivers who experience reduced ability to see under low-light levels or are bothered by glare. One in eight Americans is 65 or older now, and this concern will continue to grow as the American population ages. It is possible that new technologies such as HID headlamps can assist older drivers to drive safer with less stress, thus extending their safe driving years. It is also possible that advanced headlamps may cause unintended consequences such as over-reliance on the technology or unsafe levels of glare for other drivers. The research reported here was conducted as one part of a broader study to learn more about driver experience with several new and emerging in-vehicle technologies, with focus on how these technologies are being used and how well their capabilities and limitations are understood, and with particular emphasis on the experience of older drivers.