Today’s car is built for the average driver. The average driver can demonstrate reasonable reflexes, agility and vision. However, as we age, our reflexes, agility and vision begin to suffer. When they do, the confidence we once felt while driving quickly disappears. This can be incredibly debilitating.
As driving becomes a struggle, many senior citizens are left with two unattractive options: find an alternative form of transportation, or stay home. While you or I may be familiar with calling an Uber from time-to-time for convenience, some seniors have to search for alternative transportation every single day.
“Among the users of this service are so many elderly in The Villages who cannot drive anymore. They need convenient, reliable, and safe transportation to doctor’s appointments, grocery stores, and, of course all the amenities in The Villages. To be a part of the launch of such a project is such a privilege.” – A Villages Resident
Eventually, it may be time to give up driving altogether. But, without good alternatives, many seniors are understandably reluctant to give up car ownership. Car ownership is synonymous with freedom, and many hang on to driving, even if their senses aren’t what they used to be.
What’s more, seniors have a higher disability rate than non-seniors. Of our 47 million seniors in the US, 35.2% reported a disability compared with 10.6% of those between 18 and 64 years old. The amount of transportation friction a typical senior citizen experiences in a single day is impossible for many of us to relate to.
“As we age, even though we may still be very active and alert, sometimes our senses are not as quick as they once were. I would like to have a convenient and safe way to travel throughout my hometown without the stress of having to guess what another driver might do on the streets.” – A Villages Resident
By 2060, more than 100 million Americans will be over 65. This is a huge market for self-driving cars. We must improve the transportation options available for senior citizens, and we think that our self-driving car will bring about the necessary safety, cost, and convenience benefits that this growing demographic so badly needs.