Section 1.1: Personal Experience with Upgrading

Last summer, I decided to trade in my 2015 vehicle, which was still in excellent condition with low mileage and no significant mechanical problems. While I appreciate new features like Apple Car Play, my primary motivation for purchasing a new car was the remarkable advancements in safety technology.

Research shows that as we grow older, our driving skills tend to decline. For instance, drivers aged 70 and above have a higher rate of fatal crashes per mile than those between 35 and 54. Contributing factors include distractions, slower reaction times, and deteriorating vision. Fortunately, newer safety technologies can help counteract some of these challenges.

Section 1.2: Essential Safety Features

Most new cars now come with backup cameras as standard equipment. However, I believe that this feature alone isn't sufficient. I won't consider a new car unless it includes an audible warning system with the backup camera. My previous 2015 model had this feature, but my 2021 vehicle goes a step further. It has automatic emergency braking (AEB), which applies the brakes if I get too close to an object while reversing. This feature has activated several times in the past year, indicating its usefulness—or perhaps suggesting that I, as a 73-year-old driver, need a little extra help.

Advanced safety technology can also prevent high-speed collisions when using cruise control. These systems can detect when my vehicle is approaching another too quickly and automatically reduce speed. While different manufacturers may have unique names for these features—often abbreviated to three letters—common examples include blind-spot monitors (BSM) and lane-keeping assist (LKA).

Setting up these protective technologies generally requires minimal skill. The only exception might be adaptive cruise control, which can be risky to master at high speeds. It's best to practice at lower speeds. While features like automatic parallel parking may not be a top priority for me, I recognize that seat belts and airbags are vital; however, my focus remains on preventing accidents in the first place.

Section 1.3: The Importance of Accident Prevention

I want to avoid reversing into walls, fences, or trees, but what I fear even more is hitting a person. As my driving abilities wane, I find comfort in knowing that technology can help prevent injuries to myself, my passengers, and pedestrians. While voice-activated commands for phone calls, navigation, and texts are convenient, nothing compares to the ability to prevent a tragic loss of life.