10 Helpful Features that Older Drivers Should Have in their Cars

Older and wiser in experience--that's what we say about our aging parents and relatives today. Still, there are times when they lack the wisdom when it comes to taking advantage of the many technologies that modern cars offer today.  This is unfortunate, since they are missing out on a lot of the many benefits that these features offer.

Still, there's a fine line between having enough and overdoing it. A dashboard cluttered with too many features can actually be more distracting than using the phone while driving.

The key here is balance. "Not too much, and not too little" should be the mantra here. Choosing only the most essential ones is important, and should be the building blocks used to make driving safer and more comfortable for older and more mature drivers. These include the following:

Backup / Rear view Camera

Backup cameras can be extremely helpful for seniors with limited range of motion in their back, neck, and even upper body. Oftentimes, vision is the first one that deteriorates when a person is aging, and having those added “eyes” on the road such as a backup camera (or even a 360 degree camera for those with more limited range of motion) is extremely helpful.

Adaptive Headlights

These lights turn in the direction of the steering wheel. They're helpful when turning around corners, especially at night.

Adjustable "Everything" (Seats, Steering Wheel Reach and Rake, etc.)

"Adjustable" features make it easy to meet an older driver's needs and condition.

Adjustable seats are extremely important for seniors who drive for a long period of time. They can be adjusted depending on their posture and height, and can help support those with back and leg pains. If they add in other features like seat massagers and heated seats in the mix, then they can also lessen their muscle and joint pains while on the road.

An adjustable steering wheel allows older drivers to customize the reach and rake of the tiller and helps them get into a more comfortable driiving position. It helps alleviate shoulder, neck, back, knee and hip pain while they’re driving.

Blind Spot Warning System

This system alerts the driver if other objects or people are in the "blind spot" of the driver by means of a vibration or audible alert.

Blind spot monitors are good for those who have limited range of motion, or those with vision problems.

Forward Collision Alert and Automatic Emergency Braking

These two features go hand-in-hand, so we’re counting them as one feature. Forward Collision Warning can help warn drivers if the cars in front of them are moving slow or are going to stop, while the Automatic Emergency Braking System will hit the brakes if the driver wasn't able to brake immediately.

Keyless Ignition / Entry

Keyless entry allows you to enter the car by using a push-button on the key fob, while a keyless ignition allows you to turn your car on by one push of a button. These helpful features can be very helpful for those suffering from arthritis or rheumatism.

Power "Everything" (Lift Gates, Mirrors, Windows)

“Power” features make things easier and more convenient to use, especially for older drivers with limited strength.

Power mirrors make it easy for mature drivers to adjust the mirrors outside to get a better view of  the surroundings, while power windows make it easy to open, lock, and close the windows.

On the other hand, Power Lift Gates, or Auto Lift Gates and Motorized Rear Lift Gates, allow seniors to easily open the rear door. Oftentimes, rear hatches are heavy, and can be difficult to open. Power tailgates allow senior drivers to open them by just sweeping the leg under the rear bumper, or tapping it lightly. Whatever the case, it's a good feature when carrying heavy bags and groceries.

Digitized Dashboard with a Large Display and Button Controls

Those with vision problems can turn to digitized dashboards that have larger displays and buttons.

It's important to customize them to make things as simple as possible. Those with buttons are easier to access, and will be less distracting to use than the sensitive touch displays on modern dashboards.

Navigation System

An easy-to-use Navigation System can be extremely helpful for senior drivers who find it difficult to use maps, read directions, or remember things and places.

Rain Sensors / Automatic Wipers

Automatic Wipers are sensors or switches that automatically turn on as soon as it starts to rain. This eliminates the need to manually turn them on and off, which can be distracting, especially when driving at night.

Final Thoughts

All these technology features are certainly helpful in making driving much easier for older drivers. Still, it’s always best to assess whether or not they still have the capacity to drive on the road. When the risk far outweighs everything else, then it’s always best to let someone drive for them.