The Best Cars for Seniors

The effects of aging can pose serious challenges for senior drivers. Senior citizens may think they’re great drivers, but seniors are almost twice as likely to die in car crashes than drivers aged 55 to 64.

Why the increased risk? Approximately 80 percent of motorists age 65 or older suffer from a variety of ailments, ranging from arthritis to diminished eyesight. That makes it critically important for seniors to consider the safety and driver assistance features of any car they buy.

Rather than recommending specific car makes and models, we recommend looking for cars with advanced safety and accident prevention features. Only one in 10 seniors are driving a vehicle that’s equipped with the right safety features.

1. Lane Departure Warning

We’ve all heard of a collision caused by someone dozing off while driving; that’s primarily why lane departure warnings were invented. Sensors keep track of highway lane markers, causing the car to alert the motorist with sound or steering wheel vibration if the vehicle crosses over. Some systems will intervene via steering and braking to help keep the car centered within a lane. Lane departure warning systems reduce the rate of side and head-on crashes by 21 percent, and fatal crashes by 86 percent.

2. Automatic Braking

As we age, reaction times slow down. Automatic braking systems are especially helpful to drivers with reduced reaction times. Sensors alert the driver if the car is closing in on another vehicle or other obstruction too quickly, and an automatic braking function brings the car to a full stop if the driver isn’t reacting fast enough to prevent a collision. Some automatic braking systems are designed to calibrate to slow city traffic, including pedestrians and bicyclists.

3. Blind Spot Sensors

An important safety feature for any driver, blind spot sensors or cameras monitor the area alongside a vehicle. The system will alert a driver to the presence of cars and other items in proximity to their vehicle, usually via visual and audible warnings. Some systems monitor rear cross-traffic when backing out of a garage or parking spaces, and identify hard-to-spot pedestrians.

4. In-car Medical Alert Accessory

Medical alert accessories are typically designed for in-home or mobile use, but now one has been designed for vehicle use. While in-car emergency systems are offered in a wide assortment of cars, trucks, and SUVs these days, this unique device can be added to any car, no matter its age, make or model.

Bay Alarm Medical offers the only in-car medical alert device in the world. The device plugs into a 12V outlet and contains an impact sensor that automatically detects a crash and connects a driver to the 24/7 emergency response center. A microphone and speaker using cellular signals allows two-way communication, and a help button is provided for non-collision emergencies.

The device also includes GPS tracking for caregivers to find lost seniors, as well as real-time vehicle monitoring, trip history, and location boundary alerts. This device helps ensure a senior’s safety while driving independently, and grants peace of mind that they’ll be protected in case of an emergency.

Other Features to Consider

It’s possible to find all four of the safety features above, plus additional options. Safety features typically cost extra, but they are found in lower cost models – not just high-end, expensive vehicles.

These additional features may be beneficial for any driver, but especially a senior driver.

• Push-button entry/start for those suffering from arthritic hands, stiff fingers or diminished fine motor skills.
• A tilting or telescoping steering wheel to maintain a comfortable driving position and keep a safe distance from the front airbag.
• A digital speedometer with clear read-out.
• A self-parking system where the car steers itself into parallel and perpendicular parking spaces, or a parking proximity alarm that warns when the vehicle is getting too close to another vehicle.
• A navigation system with a large, legible display screen and simple programming.
• High-intensity headlamps for improved visibility.

Finally, it’s wise to select a vehicle with high safety ratings. Aside from the latest safety technology features, newer cars offer improved airbag systems and are safer in the event of a crash.

Switching to a safer vehicle with the options above can assist one through the side effects of aging. Additionally, it can keep a senior safe on the road, allowing them to hold onto their keys and independence for a bit longer.