Self-driving cars could be lifeline for over-70s to maintain independence
Recent studies have shown that more than half of drivers aged 70 and over harbour concerns about the time when they will no longer be able to drive, with two-thirds adamant about not relying on others for transport. Research conducted by Nissan has revealed that one in five older individuals would consider using a self-driving car to maintain their independence. Brad Ashton, a 93 year old retired comedy scriptwriter known for his work with icons like Groucho Marx, Tommy Cooper, and Les Dawson, had the opportunity to experience one of Nissan's autonomous vehicles in Cranfield, Bedfordshire.
Having been behind the wheel since 1947 and currently driving a Nissan Micra, Brad took a special 30-minute journey in the self-driving LEAF model through the village's narrow roads. Reflecting on the experience, Brad said: "New technology like this is fantastic and it's important to embrace it. Cars were different back in 1947 you had to crank them up so I've always wondered what the cars of the future would be like and this is it."
As the first senior to test the vehicle, Brad expressed: "I thought I would feel frightened or worried but felt safe and relaxed throughout the experience."
Brad Ashton, 93 who still drives pictured with his own Nissan Micra (Image: PinPep)
Highlighting the significance of being able to drive independently, Brad stated: "being independent and still being able to drive is really important to me." He depends on his car to look after his wife Valerie, whom he wed in 1961, due to the insufficient local bus services. The report found those living in rural areas where 36 per cent of those in rural areas who are no longer driving feel socially isolated.
In comparison, only 9 per cent of non-drivers in urban areas share this sentiment, likely due to the availability of better public transport options. Additionally, 10 per cent of respondents showed excitement about the potential introduction of self-driving cars in the UK. However, when questioned about riding in an autonomous vehicle, 64 per cent confessed to feeling nervous, 24 per cent were intrigued, and 12 per cent would be amazed.
Brad swapped his Nissan Micra for the afternoon to try a self-driving electric Nissan LEAF (Image: PinPep)
These results are part of an eight-year research project named evolvAD, which has successfully completed over 16,000 miles of autonomous driving on the UK's motorways, city centres, residential roads, and rural areas without any incidents.
David Moss, Senior Vice President of Research and Development at Nissan, who led the project alongside four industry partners, commented: "Our research shows many elderly people feel socially isolated because they don't drive - and older drivers worry about losing their independence if they can no longer take to the wheel themselves." He added: ""As well as making driving safer by reducing human error, and cleaner by improving efficiency, this technology will give many more people access to mobility who may not have it due to location, age or disability. Moss concluded: "It has been a privilege working with our dedicated partners to advance autonomous driving mobility."
He also mentioned that the talented UK team at Nissan Technical Centre Europe in Cranfield will continue developing this technology, expressing his excitement about bringing autonomous driver services to customers in the coming years.
Brad also remarked: "One thing though - it'd be great if the driverless cars of the future could find you a parking space."