Too old to drive? New tech could decide your "driver retirement score"

Driving the news: GM engineers have applied for a patent on a system that collects vehicle and driver data to calculate a "driver retirement score."

• The application was published Aug. 28 by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, Automotive News reported Thursday.

How it works: The system uses an array of data inputs from both the driver and the vehicle.

• It monitors driver reaction times, squinting and signs of fatigue, for instance.
• It can also detect how often other motorists honk, whether drivers use their turn signals appropriately and whether they comply with traffic signs.
• The system can even determine whether driving improves or deteriorates over time.
• Once a score has been computed, the system can generate a report with recommendations for the driver (and notify a designated family member, if desired).

Caveat: GM, which doesn't comment on patent filings, might never sell the technology.

The bottom line: It's always better to have data to back up what is likely to be a difficult conversation with elderly drivers.