Older drivers are generally more cautious, but also more vulnerable to injury during a crash. Good news: Keeping your relative safe on the road may be easier than you think. But it could require upgrading to a newer car. Choosing the right car features can improve safety, comfort, and ease of use—and reduce risk for your loved one.
Crash safety first
When assessing a car, review crash-safety ratings first. You can find ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) at www.iihs.org/ratings or www.SaferCar.gov.
Advanced safety features to consider for common problems of aging
- Looking over the shoulder. Choose a car that’s vintage 2018 or newer, when backup cameras became standard equipment. Parallel parking assistance helps by displaying a video view of the back end of the car. It also can include guiding lines and even alerts when the car is getting too close to an obstacle. Blind-spot monitoring alerts the driver when cars are approaching from the rear yet may not be visible in the mirrors.
- Difficulty seeing at night. Find a car with LED headlights. LED light spreads wider and projects farther than previous light technology. High-beam assistance may help your loved one feel more confident using the bright setting because it automatically changes to regular when it senses an approaching vehicle.
- Arthritis and stiff joints. “Proximity keys” that unlock the car when standing close by remove the need to struggle with fishing out a key to grasp and twist. They also provide for push-button start as well as opening of side doors, hood, and trunk. Heated seats and a heated steering wheel can ease back pain and stiff hands.
Assistive devices. Consult with an occupational therapy/driver rehabilitation specialist before adding nonfactory parts, such as hand controls and steering devices.
If you or your loved one has concerns about whether they should still be driving, get a professional driving assessment.