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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.
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GM don’t tell me what to do.
My insurance company will be very interested in my score.
What about young, dangerous drivers?
YEP
They should get the lollygaggers out of the left lane first.
GM soon to go the way of Bud and Cracker Barrel.
I’m 70 so I figure I’ve got another 30 years to go.
So 19% of the accidents. What is the percentage of older drivers compared to everyone else?
If 30% are older drivers and only causing 19% of the accidents that makes them a better risk.
Uh huh. How about a system that keeps young and stupid people off the road? Idiots dueling in heavy traffic, going fast while zigzagging from lane to lane?
Or lane changers who don’t look before moving into your lane?
I have better suggestion: IQ tests to determine if drivers licenses are issued - bet money the dang roads would be nearly empty!
How nice. Another useful AI applicationn to make us safe. /s
They GM,that’s why they’re grasping at straws...
It’s the epitome of having Big Brother ride shotgun with you all the time.
The old, tried-and-true manual transmission would ensure anyone of any age could operate the vehicle.
Our late model Hyundai already has technology that tells me I need to take a coffee break if I’m not driving just the way it thinks I should. Apparently I stray toward the passenger side of the road too much for its liking, though I stay between the lines. Since I’ve been driving for more than 50 years and have never had an accident that was my fault, I think I’m a pretty good driver. I’ll know when it’s time to stop - I don’t need some computer’s opinion.
I also recall being the one who had to take my beloved Dad's license away when he was about 80.
Go for it!
My car as that feature. You can turn it off if you want but I don’t.
I’m of two minds about this.
Today I was with my dad (with him driving) and it was absolutely nerve-wracking. At least three times he had to jump on the brakes because he didn’t notice someone ahead stopping to make a left turn. His awareness and/or reaction time is terrible IMO. And at another point he got confused by someone stopped at a red light in the middle of the intersection (because traffic in that lane was jammed) and wound up going right through the light in our lane with me yelling, “red light!”
As to young, reckless drivers, I have a beef with them as well. Earlier this year I was leaving a car show and a bunch of guys in new Mustangs (leaving the same show) were so intent on showing how fast their cars were that they all decided to blow past me ON THE ON-RAMP to the turnpike. I had to dive onto the shoulder to keep from being hit. One after another they disappeared, and I estimated they must have all dialed it up to at least 150. The speed limit is **70**. I found myself hoping they’d get pulled over before they killed someone. No one on a 70mph road in the US expects a pack of cars to blow past them with a speed differential of 80mph.
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