Smart Auto Features For Older Drivers

Dear Savvy Senior,

Are there any good resources that offer tips on what older drivers should look for when purchasing a new car? My wife and I have been looking around, but at ages 69 and 71 we want to make sure we get a good vehicle that meets our future needs and current budget.

Senior Drivers

Dear Senior:

The National Older Driver Research and Training Center at the University of Florida and AAA recently developed a handy new guide called "Smart Features for Mature Drivers" that's perfect for seniors who are in the market for a new car or are evaluating their current one. Here's what you should know.

Shopping Guide

Even healthy seniors face some degree of physical challenge (reduced vision, mobility, strength, range of motion and reaction time) that can make driving more difficult. Finding a vehicle with features that meet those challenges can make a big difference in both pleasure and safety.

"Smart Features for Mature Drivers" is a great tool to help seniors evaluate a vehicle by focusing on the different features that address age-related problems. Here are some of the features they recommend you look for, depending on what ails you.

• Limited range of motion. A driver with limited flexibility in the neck, back and arms usually will have a difficult time looking over his or her shoulder to back up or to merge into traffic, and will have a hard time reaching for a seat belt, too. These drivers can benefit from large, wide-angle mirrors which minimize blind spots, a tilt and telescoping steering wheel that offers more comfortable positions to alleviate neck and shoulder pain, adjustable seat belts that are easier to reach,and heated seats with lumbar support to help those stiff, aching backs.

• Limited mobility. Drivers who suffer from hip or leg pain or limited knee range of motion should look for vehicles that have low door thresholds, six-way adjustable power seats and seat heights that come up to their mid-thigh level. These features make it easier to get into and out of the vehicle.

• Arthritic hands. Drivers who have hand or wrist arthritis or a weak upper body can benefit from thick steering wheels that are easier to grip, keyless entry and ignition that eliminates having to twist and turn a key, power mirrors and seats that are easy to operate and larger dashboard controls with buttons, which are easier to manipulate than knobs. Also, four-door models are preferable to two-door cars, which have longer, heavier doors that are harder to open.

• Diminished vision. Drivers with diminished vision and sensitivity to glare will find extendable sun visors helpful. Also, larger audio and climate controls with contrasting text are easier to see.

• Short drivers. Older drivers who are small in stature can find comfortably reaching the pedals without being too close to the airbag or being able to see over the steering wheel safely a challenge. To help with these problems, look for vehicles with adjustable foot pedals, tilt and telescoping steering wheels and six-way adjustable seats.

Safety Features

AAA also recommends that all seniors, regardless of their health issues, look for vehicles with solid safety features and a proven safety record. Start by checking the vehicle's crash test and rollover ratings which you can find at www.safercar.gov. Other safety features to look for include side and dual-stage/threshold airbags that adjust the deployment force based on the severity of the crash; adjustable head restraints and extra padding that moves forward to cushion the head, reducing neck injuries when a car is hit from the rear; antilock brakes that prevent the wheels from locking during emergency braking, and dynamic stability control, which helps prevent loss of control in a turn.

Savvy Tip: To get a copy of the "Smart Features for Mature Drivers" brochure, call your local AAA (call 800-564-6222 to get your local number). You can also view it online at www.aaa.com/seniors, along with their list of 2008 vehicles that provide these senior-friendly features.

Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit www.savvysenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to "The NBC Today Show" and author of The Savvy Senior books.

The Gazette does not endorse the contents of The Savvy Senior. Check with professionals about the contents of this column.