14. Forward Auto-Braking
Who Benefits: Drivers suffering from vision problems and diminished reflex times. This is arguably the most important feature on our list, as it can prove to be a real lifesaver for drivers of all ages. Though some cars offer forward collision warning systems that essentially tell the driver to engage the brakes to avoid hitting another car or obstruction in his or her path, it’s best to find a model that can take over and automatically apply the brakes to help avoid or lessen the effects of a crash if the driver isn’t responding quickly enough.
See Also: Though most forward auto-braking systems are designed to stop the vehicle at higher velocities, some are designed to work in city traffic and prevent both rear-end collisions and unfortunate encounters with pedestrians and bicyclists.
13. Blind Spot/Lane Departure Warning
Who Benefits: In the former, cameras or sensors keep an eye on the area alongside of a vehicle and will alert a driver to the presence of other cars he or she might not otherwise be able to locate, while the latter keeps an electric eye on lane markers and sounds an alert if the vehicle is inadvertently drifting across them.
See also: Some systems will automatically intervene via steering and/or braking input to prevent an unsafe lane change or bring a wandering vehicle back into the lane.
12. Adaptive Cruise Control
Who Benefits: Same as prior. This high-tech twist on a familiar automotive feature enables a car to maintain both a set speed and safe distance from the traffic ahead, slowing down and speeding up automatically as necessary.
See Also: Some systems in high-end cars can bring the vehicle to a complete stop if traffic comes to a standstill, and some can even operate in stop-and-go-driving.
11. Adaptive Headlamps
Who Benefits: These are high-intensity headlamps that pivot in conjunction with the car’s steering angle to more effectively light the way through curves.
See Also: Some cars offer the ability to automatically switch between high and low beams as needed to maximize visibility and to prevent blinding drivers in oncoming traffic.
10. Automatic Day/Night Mirrors
Who Benefits: Anyone suffering vision problems while driving at night. Many vehicles offer auto-dimming rearview and side mirrors that can help minimize glare while driving after dark.
9. Extendable Sun Visors
Who Benefits: Motorists suffering from vision problems. This simple feature helps prevent glare from the sun, and can assist with an otherwise slow recovery from excessive brightness.
8. GPS Navigation System
Who Benefits: Anyone venturing into unfamiliar territory, but especially those who have trouble reading street signs. Look for a vehicle that comes with a large and legible display screen and easy operation, especially with regard to destination entry; most come with voice-command operation, though this can a hit or miss affair depending on the model.
7. Self-Parking System
Who Benefits: Drivers with diminished upper body range of motion, specifically with regard to twisting and upper body rotation. Several cars, most notably from Ford and General Motors, offer a self-parking feature that automatically steers the vehicle into a suitably sized parallel-parking space (some systems also work with perpendicular spaces); all the driver has to do is modulate the brake pedal and shift gears.
6. Parking Aids
Who Benefits: Same as prior. Starting later in 2018, rear backup cameras will be required in most new vehicles, and they’re an important safety feature for drivers of all abilities. Be sure the display is large enough to be sufficiently legible and that the image won’t get washed out in bright sunlight.
See Also: Some models offer front and/or rear proximity alarms to tell a motorist when he or she is getting too close to another vehicle. Others offer a more complex backup video system utilizing multiple cameras that shows a 360-degree view around the car, but these can be more confusing than helpful.
5. Adjustable Steering Wheel
Who Benefits: Those with limited upper-body range of motion. A tilt/telescoping wheel helps the driver both find a comfortable driving position and maintain a safe distance from the front airbag.
4. Digital Speedometer Display
Who Benefits: Motorists with vision problems that make reading an analog speedometer or shifting focus quickly between the road and the instrument panel difficult.
See Also: A growing number of models now offer a head-up display that projects the vehicle’s speed (and sometimes other information) onto the windshield in the driver’s line of sight.
3. Heated Steering Wheel
Who Benefits: Those suffering from arthritis pain and stiffness in hands and fingers. For everyone else, this remains a decadent winter-climate option.
2. Heated Seats
Who Benefits: Drivers suffering creaking joints or lower back pain. Admittedly, this is a more essential option in northern climates; some high-end models additionally offer massaging seats for added back-and-bottom comfort.
1. Proximity Key With Pushbutton Entry/Start
Who Benefits: Drivers with arthritic hands, painful or stiff fingers or diminished fine motor skills. No more fumbling with keys, this system allows a motorist to simply keep the controlling key fob in a pocket or purse.
See Also: Some models offer a hands-free power trunk/tailgate opening feature that works by either waving a foot under the rear bumper or simply standing at the back of the vehicle with the key fob in one’s possession.
A wealth of information for senior drivers and caregivers, including car-buying tips, driving skills assessments, and other resources can be found at SeniorDriving.AAA.com.
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