GM windshield would watch the road with you

Head-down displays can be helpful, but a common vision problem in older drivers is a difficulty adjusting to different visual planes — looking down at something close and then back up and out to the road ahead.

"If I can keep their eyes out of the vehicle, so they're not looking down as much, that's a really good assistive technology," Seder said.

Some features would be helpful to drivers of all ages. If a driver is speeding, a pink box frames an approaching speed limit sign to draw the driver's attention.

Another feature solves what Seder calls the problem of the last 50 yards in Global Positioning System navigation.

"The GPS got me on some road. What building is it? Point, there it is," Seder said.

But the windshield mainly is geared to assist older drivers.

Seder said he wants to provide technology that helps them, but at the same time isn't distracting or overwhelming.

AARP spokeswoman Nancy Thompson said she believes drivers heading toward old age will embrace the technology.

"The boomer population has grown up with technology and is comfortable with technology," Thompson said. "Our research shows a willingness to adopt technology to make life easier. It seems like a logical extension of the boomer lifestyle to include technology that makes them safer on the road."

Owsley, who has researched vision in drivers for 15 years, is running focus groups to interview aging drivers about the issues they face, but said there's a common theme among the drivers.

"Older adults are like adults of all ages," she said. "They want to drive."

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