Aging Drivers Can Match Vehicle Selections to Physical Changes

AAA, in partnership with the University of Florida’s National Older Driver Research and Training Center (NODRTC), recently released its Smart Features for Mature Drivers, which identifies vehicle features that can assist aging drivers with visual, physical and mental changes that are frequently encountered.

The announcement addresses conditions often faced by senior adults, including diminished vision, arthritic hands, hip and leg pain and limited upper-body range of motion, highlights features that best address each condition and provides examples of vehicles exemplifying those features.

"It is imperative that the specific needs of aging motorists be addressed in order for them to continue to drive safely and remain independent," said AAA President and CEO Robert L. Darbelnet. "Smart Features for Mature Drivers provides valuable information for this growing segment of the driving population. We encourage older drivers and their families to use this as a guide in the selection of their next vehicle or evaluating their current one."

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were more than 37 million people age 65 and older in the United States in 2006 and 29 million were licensed drivers in 2005. It is estimated that by 2020, more than 40 million licensed drivers will be 65 and older.

As a person ages, physiological changes can affect driving ability. Muscle strength, reaction times, range of motion and visual acuity tend to diminish as part of the natural aging process.

"As a person ages, health issues can affect how safely we operate a vehicle, including vision, arithitic hands, knee joint pains and limited upper-body movement," said Dorie Weik, Safety and Public Affairs, AAA Central Penn. "Features we can look for on vehicles can help some of these specific needs, like power seats, tilt steering wheels, extendable sun visors, larger audio and climate controls, larger dashboard controls, thicker steering wheels and more. These are all considered ‘Smart Features’ that are recommended for all seniors regardless of health issues. AAA is dedicated to keeping seniors driving as long as safely possible."

"Many of the changes our bodies experience as we age can affect our ability to safely operate a vehicle," said Dennis P. McCarthy, co-director of the University of Florida’s NODRTC. "When looking for ways to help maintain an older person’s safety, it’s important to address the vehicle they are driving. Today, specific vehicle features can help improve driver comfort and safety."

In a recent survey, AAA found that 43 percent of motorists over the age of 55 suffered from at least one of nine driving-related difficulties commonly caused by aging, and nearly one out of four motorists over 55 plan to purchase a vehicle in the next two years.

Because everyone ages differently, AAA recommends mature drivers look for vehicles with features that address their specific needs and health issues. Some of the recommendations included in Smart Features for Mature Drivers include:

• Drivers suffering from hip or leg pain, decreased leg strength or limited knee range of motion should look for vehicles with six-way adjustable power seats and seat heights that come between the driver’s mid-thigh and lower buttocks.

• Drivers with arthritic hands, painful or stiff fingers or diminished fine motor skills would benefit from four-door models, thick steering wheels, keyless entry and ignition, power mirrors and seats and larger dashboard controls with buttons.

• Drivers with diminished vision or problems with low contrast sensitivity will find helpful vehicles with extendable sun visors, large audio and climate controls and displays with contrasting text.

"By providing public services such as Smart Features for Mature Drivers, AAA aims to keep our growing senior population safe behind the wheel," Darbelnet said.

For more information about senior drivers and their families, visit AAA.com/seniors.

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