Seniors Find Work as Human Collision Warning Systems

While the number of vehicles equipped with electronic collision warning systems is expected to continue growing, the fact is, only about 20% of all new cars come equipped with lane departure, forward collision alert and other such devices.  And most of those are found on pricier models, placing the new technology out of reach for many drivers.

But in a new trend, some vehicle owners are hiring senior citizens to serve as a human crash avoidance system or HCAS.  Riding along as a passenger, the HCAS keeps an eye on the surroundings, freeing up the driver to distract himself or herself with a smartphone, audio or GPS system, or the application of makeup.

“I’ve prevented four or five accidents already,” boasted Kitty Wormley, a 74-year-old HCAS, who is retired from a long, successful career as an out-of-work musician.  “Plus, it gets me out of the house and beats the (expletive) out of playing balloon volleyball down at the senior center.”

“It’s really a win-win for everyone,” said Kobe Dillinger, a spokesman for the National Highway Transportati.…National Traffic Safety NHTSA.