Self-driving cars could keep seniors in the driver's seat

By Brett Berk

The technology is coming, and it could be a blessing as the number of older Americans soars.

My Grandma Bobbie is 93 and lives on her own, in a spotless condo decorated with enviable midcentury furnishings. The daughter of a General Motors millwright, she grew up in Detroit riding the streetcar, but one of her goals was to get to the promised land — the suburbs — and preferably by car.

For my grandmother, like many older people in her cohort, a car is not only a convenience or a luxury — though it is that; Grandma loved Lincolns and Cadillacs and now drives a Lexus — it is a lifeline, the only way to make regular trips to the store, to visit with family or to attend medical appointments.

Her best friend, Evelyn, who is 97 and still in excellent health, gave up her car last year after a few traffic incidents and immediately had to move into an apartment in an assisted living facility. Evelyn is cheery and social and has enjoyed the change — she loves not having to cook for herself.

But my grandmother is far more reserved and fiercely independent. When I asked her about the assisted living site, she told me, "Evelyn says I'd hate it." I'm certain Evelyn is right.

But there will soon be another option. Science-fiction fears of a robot takeover aside, the self-driving car is now within reach. And while a fully autonomous vehicle may not be ideal for all — for example, auto journalists/enthusiasts like me, for whom exploring a car's capabilities is both enjoyable and a professional mandate — access to one may allow seniors like my grandma to maintain their sense of self, their pride and their elaborate hairdos. (Not a joke: Forgoing personal hygiene, even in the form of weekly trips to what Bobbie calls her "beauty operator," can be a symptom of or catalyst to mental and physical decline.)

The self-driving car may also allow us to reduce the risk that older drivers pose to themselves and others, Mr. Magoo-ing about our roadways. As physical and mental degeneration occurs and reaction times slow, aging drivers can lose faith in their abilities or find their capacities fail them. As you may have surmised from exasperating personal experience, metered freeway onramps, the porte-cochere at the Beverly Hills Hotel, intersections and yield lanes pose a particular challenge.

And then there's the risk factor. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the collision rate for older drivers is among the highest of any age group. Seniors are surpassed only by teenagers and entitled millennials when it comes to per capita insurance damage claims. And older drivers have one of the highest rates of traffic fatalities per mile driven, in part because they lack resilience to recover from injuries sustained.

Lest you think this is a niche problem concentrated among cravat-wearing Buick pilots in Palm Springs, think again. Between now and 2020, the California population of seniors is projected to grow at a rate twice as fast as the state's total population.

Among the oldest subset of this demographic, that increase is expected to jump more than 300% in several counties, nearly all of them far from the density and public transport offered in urban areas. And that's before the lurking glut of baby boomers starts to turn 85 around 2030. By then, up to a quarter of the nation's licensed drivers will be older than 85.

A fully autonomous vehicle, with a constant 360-degree range of view and instantaneous response times, will act faster and more accurately than the average human — and certainly faster and more accurately than my grandma's few remaining friends — keeping everyone on the road safer.

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety studies have indicated that emergent crash-avoidance features, such as autonomous braking, significantly reduce collisions and claims. Studies have also shown that fragile senior drivers not only benefited from existing safety technologies, such as side air bags and automatically adjusting seat belts, they are open and adaptable to new technology like backup cameras.

The arrival of the fully autonomous car is imminent. After Gov. Jerry Brown signed SB 1298 into law in 2012 to allow such vehicles to operate on California roads, the Department of Motor Vehicles set to work crafting rules for their manufacture and operation. Draft regulations will be complete by early July. Written public comment will follow, with public hearings in August before finalized rules are submitted by Jan. 1.

Major mass-market manufacturers such as Nissan and General Motors are watching California, and its nearly 25 million licensed drivers, and have indicated that they're aiming to bring fully autonomous vehicles to market before the decade's end.

One of the key tenets in the California State Plan on Aging for 2013-17 is to "advance the availability of transportation services that are responsive to the needs of older adults." Once autonomous cars meet safety standards, they can help serve these ends.

If Grandma Bobbie ever starts to decline — and she's still gorgeous and in perfect health, so that's a big if — I'll be pulling for her to buy one. Though the last time I tried to get her to buy a new car, she said, "I'm in my 90s now. Maybe I'll lease?"

Brett Berk's automotive writing appears regularly in Vanity Fair, Details, GQ, Road & Track, Popular Mechanics and Yahoo! Autos. Twitter: @StickShift_VF

Most Fuel Efficient New Cars

By Jim Gorzelany, CTW Features

Choosing a model that can run farther on a tank of gas - or one that can avoid the pump altogether - can help save cash and the environment.

With national average gasoline prices continuing to vacillate between $3.00 and $4.00 over the course of a given year, fuel economy remains a primary concern among car buyers, with 14 percent citing it as their singular consideration according to the National Automobile Dealers Association in McLean, Va. Vehicles spanning the spectrum are getting an infusion of fuel frugality these days, with even big pickup trucks and sports cars offering more-efficient engines that are nonetheless able to satisfy buyers’ expectations.

To help shoppers make informed decisions is this regard, the federal Environmental Protection Agency in Washington, D.C., tracks and publishes standardized fuel economy ratings for all cars and light duty trucks sold in the U.S. each year. The agency recently released its lists of most - and least - fuel-efficient rides on the road for 2014 in a wide range of classes and sizes to meet most consumers’ needs.

“For American families, the financial and environmental bottom lines are high priorities when shopping for a new vehicle,” says administrator, Gina McCarthy. “This year’s guide is not just about how the latest models stack up against each other; it’s about providing people the best information possible to make smart decisions affecting their pocketbooks and the planet.”?

That’s because in addition to projected city, highway and combined city/highway mpg ratings and annual fuel costs, the EPA’s citations include a 1-10-point rating for each model’s estimated greenhouse gas emissions, which are said to contribute to global warming.

Fuel economy ratings for all 2014 vehicles - as well as those from past model years for the benefit of used car shoppers - can be found at www.fueleconomy.gov, and we’re listing the top models in each of the EPA’s classes. These include both the segment-leading gas, diesel or hybrid gasoline/electric powered models, as well as plug-in electric vehicles, the latter of which are rated in terms of an electric equivalent (called “eMPG”) based on average electricity costs. We’re also including the rogue’s galley of this year’s worst gas-guzzlers, which tend to be among the year’s costliest high-performance sports and luxury cars.

Of course, as they say, “your mileage may vary.”

That’s because cars and trucks are tested under rigidly controlled circumstances in a laboratory (and not on the open road) using a standardized test that’s mandated by federal law. Each model is tested on what’s called a dynamometer, which is like a treadmill for cars, with the quantity of carbon in tailpipe emissions measured to calculate the amount of fuel burned. A professional driver runs the vehicle through multiple standardized driving schedules, one each to simulate city and highway motoring, one cycle at higher speeds, another with the air conditioning on and one more in city driving with lower outside temperatures.

A host of factors, including the load a car is carrying, trip length, traffic conditions, terrain, temperature and the weather all affect a vehicle’s mileage. Perhaps most importantly, a motorist’s individual driving style can skew these estimates greatly if he or she drives with a proverbial lead foot, with neck-snapping acceleration and heavy braking. As the Tortoise learned in his fabled sprint against the Hare, slow and steady wins the race here.

Running Hot or Cold

By Jim Gorzelany, CTW Features

That was certainly some rotten winter weather we managed to survive, with temperatures plummeting to record lows in many regions and snow falling at least somewhere in all 50 states. And while we’re far from being meteorologists, our instinct says we could be in for a scorching-hot summer as well.

The extreme elements already tend to exact a toll on the average car, but many electric-vehicle owners may feel the worst of it, according to the results of a study conducted by the AAA Automotive Research Center in Southern California. That’s because the results determined an EV’s operating range on a charge could diminish by as much as 57 percent based solely on the ambient temperature.

“Electric motors provide smooth operation, strong acceleration, require less maintenance than internal combustion engines, and for many motorists offer a cost effective option,” says John Nielsen, managing director, AAA Automotive Engineering and Repair. “However, EV drivers need to carefully monitor driving range in hot and cold weather.”

The AAA put three different EVs through their paces under controlled circumstances to gauge how well their batteries fared in stop-and-go-traffic under cold, moderate and hot operating conditions.

According to the results, the three models averaged a respectable 105 miles on a charge at an ambient temperature of 75 degrees. However, this figure plummeted to just 43 miles when the thermometer dipped to 20 degrees. Blistering temperatures had a more moderately adverse effect on the tested vehicles, limiting the average range of the models tested to 69 miles on a charge at 95 degrees.

Note that these fluctuations occur despite the fact that all EVs include provisions to help heat (and/or cool) the battery; usually this is via liquid or forced-air heating and/or cooling.

It should come as no surprise that the biggest draw on an EV battery in cold weather is the cabin heater. While gasoline engines tend to generate large amounts of heat that can be leveraged to warm a car’s interior, an EV must rely on an electric-powered heater to keep a driver’s toes toasty.

Likewise, running the air conditioner when the mercury rises drains an EV’s battery at a higher-than-average rate. Of course one could just wear a heavier coat and gloves while driving and keep the heater switched off in the winter, and forego the A/C in the summer (keeping the windows closed on the highway to maintain the vehicle’s aerodynamics), though neither is a sacrifice most drivers would be willing to take.

According to the MIT Technology Review, thermal storage materials are being developed that can be heated while an electric car is plugged in, then deliver heat for the duration of a drive, though that solution is likely years away for being ready for widespread use. In the meantime, automakers may turn to improved insulation and specific coatings on the windows to help trap heat within the cabin.

While none of us can do anything about the weather, the Environmental Protection Agency says EV drivers can help minimize the adverse effects of extreme weather on their vehicles’ range by following a few simple tips:

• Park the vehicle in a garage to maintain a more amenable temperature. Preheat or pre-cool an EV’s cabin while plugged into the charger to help extend its range.

• Engage the car’s “economy” mode, if so equipped.

• Avoid sudden stops to allow the vehicle’s regenerative braking system to recover additional energy.

• Keep the battery charged whenever there’s access to an appropriate electrical outlet or charging station.

• Run accessories like air conditioning, heating and entertainment systems sparingly; use the seat warmers (if equipped) instead of the cabin heater whenever possible in winter.

Things to consider before buying your next car

By METRO CREATIVE

Buyers often find the process of finding a new car fun. Test driving vehicles and playing with all of the gadgets that today's increasingly tech-heavy vehicles have to offer can be akin to kids visiting a candy store and being given carte blanche to fill up their baskets.

But as enjoyable as finding a new car can be, the financial commitment that such a purchase requires can make the process somewhat nerve-wracking as well. Buyers often assign the most risk to preowned vehicles, and rightfully so. But some buyers even regret their purchases after buying a new car, whether the car does not suit their lifestyle as much as they had hoped or the vehicle simply isn't living up to the expectations drivers had for it at the time of purchase. Savvy buyers will consider the following factors before taking the keys to their next new cars.

• Additional costs: Many new car shoppers plan to finance or lease their vehicles, but the down payment and monthly payment is not the only number buyers must confirm before buying a vehicle. After the purchase price and monthly payments have been figured out, the two most significant costs buyers must consider are insurance and gas. Some vehicles cost more to insure than others, and the cost of a policy will depend on more than just a buyer's personal driving history. The vehicle's safety features, where a driver lives and the type of vehicle, both its make and model and the category it fits into (i.e., sports car, luxury vehicle, etc.), are all going to be used to determine the cost of an insurance policy. 

Buyers also must consider how much a vehicle will cost to fuel up before making a final decision. Many a driver has grinned when driving a brand new SUV off a dealership lot, only to frown on that first trip to the filling station. Insurance companies typically provide free estimates to prospective customers, so do your homework on the different makes and models you're considering, getting an insurance quote for each vehicle. In addition, consider the expected fuel costs of each vehicle before making a decision.

Reputation: Thanks to the Internet, today's vehicle buyers have a valuable tool at their disposal that those of yesteryear rarely had: their fellow drivers. When considering certain makes and models, go online to see what fellow drivers and professional reviewers have to say about a given vehicle. Sites like Edmunds.com and Safecar.gov offer professional assessments of various makes and models, while various message boards exist to allow drivers to review the performance of their vehicles. Such resources are invaluable and can paint a realistic picture of what it might be like to own and drive a particular automobile.

• Resale value: While selling a car you don't even own yet is probably not foremost on your mind, it is important to consider a car's potential resale value before buying it. The high costs of new vehicles has pushed many buyers out of the new car market, making preowned vehicles a more affordable and attractive option. So considering a car's potential resale value before buying it new is a smart move that can pay dividends down the road when you're back on the market for a new vehicle.

Kelley Blue Book (kbb.com) is a valuable resource to gauge the resale value of vehicles, and buyers can even calculate the resale value of a car over its first five years. This can help consumers determine which options to get on their new cars and even help to govern their driving habits in an effort to keep the vehicle's resale value as high as possible.

When buying a new vehicle, it can be tempting to buy the most visually stunning or gadget-heavy vehicle on the dealership lot. But buyers should consider more than just appearance and accessories before buying their next new car. 

Confidence is key for spring road trips

By: BrandPoint

With one of the most unbearable winters now in the rearview mirror, drivers are facing roads that are riddled with potholes and other hazards. The change from winter to spring brings more than just a change of weather, but an enhanced need for proper spring vehicle preparation to help ensure you get the best possible performance out of your vehicle.

Here’s a checklist drivers should follow to optimize their driving experience while helping to keep their vehicles running safer and longer, without emptying their wallets.

* Seasonal change: As Americans start readying their homes for the switch from the cold winter weather to the warm spring conditions, they often forget about their vehicle. Switching from winter tires and transitioning to all-season tires or performance tires on your vehicle, or simply checking tread depth and tire condition are good ideas at this time.

* Confidence is key: Spring’s wet and rainy conditions can make driving very difficult. High-performance tires offer the all-important responsive handling and traction needed for spring weather conditions. Advances in tire technology are helping deliver a new generation of moderately priced tires that offer all-season traction, long tread wear, high-performance and value to consumers. The family of ultra-high performance tires are designed for responsiveness, all-season traction, and outstanding wet and dry handling at a great value.

* Be alert to inflation: As temperatures change, so can tires. Tires should be inflated to the vehicle manufacturer recommendations printed on the vehicle door placard or in the glove box, and should be checked at least monthly. Improper inflation can lead to premature or irregular tire wear, and under-inflation can reduce a vehicle’s fuel efficiency by an average of 3.3 percent.

* Beware of potholes: The cold and icy conditions of winter can wreak havoc on the roadways, leaving damaged pavement and potholes that can cause damage to your tires and wheels. Before heading out on spring road trips, be sure to inspect each of your tires for pothole damage, or bring your vehicle in for a checkup.

* Fill it up: Oil is the lifeblood of the engine that helps to keep it running efficiently and effectively. Not sure what oil to use? Refer to a professional or use the grade of motor oil recommended by the vehicle manufacturer to achieve optimum engine protection and fuel efficiency.

* Breathe free: Replacing a dirty air filter can increase a vehicle’s life expectancy and fuel efficiency by reducing the strain on the engine, especially during warmer months. Over the winter months, salt, sand and other impurities may build up in a vehicle’s air filtration system and could be robbing it of as much as 10 percent in fuel efficiency.

* Clean is refreshing: Consumers’ cars, trucks or SUVs have likely weathered the harsh conditions and corrosive elements associated with winter, including freezing rain, snow, ice, sand and salt. Keeping vehicles clean will help protect them from the corrosive elements that may attack the car’s finish and undercarriage. Be sure to use quality cleaners and waxes specifically designed for a car’s finish.