Over half of adults aged 70 and above who are still driving, worry about the day they’ll no longer be able to do so, according to recent research, with two thirds adamant not to rely on others for transportation.
The study, commissioned by Nissan, revealed that a fifth of elderly people would consider using a safe self-driving car if it helped them maintain their independence.
Brad Ashton, a 93 year old retired comedy script writer, was given the opportunity to test-drive one of Nissan’s self-drive cars around the village of Cranfield, in Bedfordshire.
Brad, who has written for comedy legends such as Groucho Marx, Tommy Cooper and Les Dawson, has been driving since 1947. He currently drives a Nissan Micra which he uses to care for his wife Valerie, to whom he’s been married since 1961.
He had an exclusive 30-minute drive in the autonomous LEAF model around the local narrow country lanes.
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Reflecting on the experience, he 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.”
He expressed pride at being the first older person to try it out, saying: “I thought I would feel frightened or worried but felt safe and relaxed throughout the experience.”
Brad emphasised the importance of driving for his independence, citing a poor local bus service and his wife Valerie’s inability to use public transport.
The issue is particularly acute in rural areas, with 36% of respondents feeling socially isolated due to their inability to drive. This contrasts sharply with city dwellers, where only 9% of non-drivers reported feeling the same way, likely due to better public transport options.
Retired scriptwriter Brad Ashton, 93, got a chance to ride in a Nissan’s self-drive car (Image: Pinpep / SWNS)
Interestingly, one in ten participants expressed excitement at the prospect of autonomous vehicles on UK roads.
When asked about their feelings towards personally experiencing a ride in a self-driving car, 64% admitted they would feel nervous, while 24% were intrigued and 12% would be amazed.
The survey was part of an eight-year research project named evolvAD, which saw over 16,000 miles driven autonomously across motorways, urban centres, residential streets and countryside without any accidents.
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.
Brad said he expected to feel frightened but really enjoyed his ride (Image: Pinpep / SWNS)
“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,” he added.
“It has been a privilege working with our dedicated partners to advance autonomous driving mobility.Our talented UK team at Nissan Technical Centre Europe in Cranfield will continue developing this technology, and we’re excited to bring autonomous driver services to customers in the coming years.”
Brad added: “One thing though it’d be great if the driverless cars of the future could find you a parking space.”