https://thecurbshop.com/collections/tmgps
Posted on 09/05/2025 6:29:40 PM PDT by nickcarraway
Nobody really knows the right time to take the key away from their elderly parents, and now General Motors seems to be developing technology to help inform that awkward decision. Engineers at the automaker applied for a patent on a system that would help determine whether or not older motorists can still safely operate a car. It'll use both vehicle and driver data to make the determination and come up with a "driver retirement score." It'll notify motorists of their performance, which sounds pretty brutal if I'm honest, but the way some people drive, it's also wholly necessary.
Engineers say GM's new system relies upon a comprehensive scope of data inputs that include monitoring the driver's reaction times, squinting and signs of fatigue, according to the patent reviewed by Automotive News. It'll also determine whether the driver is using the turn signal appropriately and complying with road signs. The system can also incorporate other things like medical conditions and whether others have filed complaints about a person's driving. It'll be able to tell if someone's driving improves or gets worse over time. Hell, it'll even detect how frequently other drivers honk at you, meaning every time you honk at someone, they're one step closer to being off the road. I'm going to definitely keep this in mind.
Once the score is computed by the proposed system, it'll generate a report with recommendations for the driver. It'll also notify a designated contact about the score. I'm sure this won't make the decision to give up your keys any less painful or awkward, but it should theoretically be helpful in guiding people in the right direction.
A real need
There's a growing market for this sort of technology, especially as our parents get more ornery (not mine, my parents are young and cool). In 2022, there were almost 52 million folks 65 and older with driver's licenses in the U.S., according to AutoNews. That's a 77% increase over the past two decades, which is kind of wild to think about. People aren't giving up their cars despite their diminished states.
In 2023, drivers 65 and older accounted for 19% of all traffic deaths, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That's actually half a percentage point higher than the 25-34-year-old demographic. According to a 2024 study from AAA, seniors are now outliving their ability to drive safely, which is worrying to say the least. Because of that, they've got to plan for a driving retirement in the same way they've got to plan for a financial one.
We've covered this issue in the past. Last year, we talked about Americans driving into their twilight years because living without a car is "miserable and dangerous." We also talked about how older drivers are more likely to die while driving older cars and we've even given you advice on how to help older drivers when its time for them to turn over their keys.
How will the computer know that the sound of a horn honking was aimed at the driver of the car it’s monitoring?
GM can shove this technology where the sun don’t shine!
I think this “solution” is a bad idea. But I also think my 81-year-old dad needs to be retested before he gets into a bad accident. What I saw from him today was greatly concerning.
“””Maybe start looking at the stupid young drivers, especially immigrants, before you go after older experienced drivers.”””””
If you put this in the cars driven by the Skinnies in Minneapolistan they would never get a license.
Fun fact...Minnesota passed a bill that says you cannot drive and hold your cell phone. Must be hands free. Except for the Skinnies who can stick the phone in their turban so they can talk while driving.
https://thecurbshop.com/collections/tmgps
But, but, but why can’t they make a system that will not let the inebriated drive? Is it because the attorneys make so much money in DWI court?
The same kooks who think it’s OK for drones to invade private property to spy on private citizens will be all for this horrid idea.
18.75 million drivers 18-34 years old, and 12.30 million drivers over age 65 (2001 figures):
https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/ohim/hs00/dl22.htm
Im almost 70 and my problem is I can’t drive 55. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvV3nn_de2k
Now, don’t go confusing people with data, they know what they know. /s
Ha. So I wasn’t hallucinating.
“Apparently I stray toward the passenger side of the road too much...”
As a teen I would get done with school, hang out with friends, then drive 3 hours to the family cabin by myself. I figured out that if I held the wheel with my right hand at the 4 o’clock position that when I fell asleep I would drift onto the gravel shoulder and wake up before I hit a mail box or tree.
I thought that was pretty clever.
(I really am surprised at some of the stuff I did and I’m still alive!)
Good one.
Don't forget the half a pack of cigarettes and your sunglasses (esp. at night).
Why can’t GM come up with something useful, like a motorized bumper “cow catcher” to nudge bicyclists out of the way?
Bad answer AI. Old passenger will have the same bad recovery as old driver.
That did occur to me. The point being that if a 75 year old stops driving because of the AI evaluation of recovery potential, that largely applies to discretionary trips.
If you don’t have your car because it’s in the shop, all of the places that you go and all of the driving that you do does not still get done. A lot of those trips just don’t happen. Food gets delivered rather than a trip to the grocery store to shop.
I was impressed that it was such an original criterion for the evaluation. And probably compelling, but I think most of us are not going to be persuaded by that argument. It’s only ourselves at risk
I’m an old, dangerous driver because my wrist was slammed in an automatic grocery store door 18 months ago. Personal Injury case, now have enough $$$ to take cabs everywhere.
Strange situation for me because my wonderfu dad bought me a car when I was 14 (driving age was 15) and took me out on country roads and taught me to drive. Have always had a car, drove border to border and coast to coast. Just getting used to this bizarre situation. State Farm will somehow survive without my $$$.
Not the job of carmakers to do this. Family’s job. Or the persons job. If they dont they deal with the consequences.
Good info
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