UK gov't backs GPS system designed for elderly

Q: What do you call a navigation system designed specifically for the elderly?
A: A map.

In all seriousness, GPS navigation technology designed to help the aged drive more safely could significantly reduce the number of accidents involving geriatric drivers. Old people already attempt to compensate for reduced faculties by changing driving patterns, not driving at night and taking the simplest routes rather than the fastest. It only makes sense to deploy technology to help them determine "easier" ways to a destination.

At least that's the idea behind a $20 million project being developed at Newcastle University in the U.K. According to The Sun, the research is being funded by the British government, with the end result being a system that would give easy-to-understand directions without suggesting turns across traffic or travel on freeways.

http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/28/u...d-for-elderly/

 

elderly people aren't the only ones who want an easy to use navigation system you know

 

I've always found it frustrating (even as a non-elderly GPS user) that GPS systems all seem to have the same two routing options - Fastest, and shortest.

There's never a "simplest" option. I sometimes just want...least number of turns.

In some areas, I know that wouldn't make a difference. Here in the Washington DC area, though, there are 62 different ways to get from Point A to Point B.

 

If it comes with "MOVE TO THE RIGHT SINCE YOU'RE GOING SLOWER THAN THE SPEED LIMIT!" then I'll fully support it. Heck, even "YOU'RE SWERVING BACK AND FORTH!" would be nice. I live on top of a hill in which it is right next by elderly individuals. Some scary stuff I've seen, including driving on the wrong side of the center divider...