The right car for you

As we age, changes occur in strength, mobility and flexibility; vision and scanning skills; and to the speed at which we can process visual information - these changes can make us feel less comfortable and less in control behind the wheel.

Here are some tips to consider to 'fit' the car to the driver. These adjustments should make drivers feel more comfortable and in control of their vehicles.

Seat  

• Make sure you can reach the centre of the brake and accelerator pedals with the ball of your foot
• Make sure the seat is high enough for your line of sight to be three inches above the steering wheel.  

Seat Belt  

• Always wear a seat belt when driving. The lap belt should go across your hips, and the shoulder belt should go across your rib cage and not under your arm. This can become difficult if:
  • Flexibility restrictions limit your ability to reach over the shoulder to grab the belt
  • Reduced strength makes it difficult to pull the belt over the chest to the clasp at the seat
  • Loss of dexterity from arthritis prevents fastening the belt buckle into the seat latch  

Head Restraint (it's a head restraint not a head rest) 

• Ensure that the top of the head restraint is as high as the top of your head
• Position the head restraint as close to the rear of your head as possible
• Adjust the headrest to touch the middle of your head, not your neck

A properly adjusted head restraint will help prevent whiplash by reducing the distance between the back of the head and head restraint, stopping the neck from bending back. It will also reduce the amount of time it takes your head to initially contact the head restraint, and increase the amount of time that your head is supported during a crash.

Mirrors

Before you start your vehicle, adjust your rear-view mirror so you can see as much of the rear window as possible.

If you are over six feet tall, the inside rearview mirror may block your view through the windshield. To increase your forward visibility, the NRMA suggests turning the rearview mirror upside down with the day/ night switch on top.

• For the mirror on the driver's side, while in the driver's seat:

1. Place your head against the driver's side window
2. Adjust the side mirror on your right so you just see the side of the car.

• For the mirror on the passenger's side, while in the driver's seat: 

1. Move your head to the centre of your car under the rearview mirror 
2. Adjust the passenger side mirror so you just see the side of your car

For most people this is a big change. We urge people to make this change gradually over the course of a week or two. Older drivers should choose a vehicle based upon their specific needs.

Other features

The National Older Driver Research & Training Centre at the University of Florida and the American Automobile Association (AAA) identified the many vehicle features that can optimize safety and comfort for seniors. Before you buy your next vehicle, know of the many features now available on cars.  

• Adjustable pedals: With a push of a button, the driver can adjust the accelerator and brake pedals, a feature especially helpful for petite drivers to reach the pedals while ensuring they are a safe distance (about 12 inches) from the airbag mounted in the steering-wheel hub.
• Large knobs and buttons with contrasting text: Audio and climate controls with large features and contrasting text are easier to see and manipulate, and thus less distracting.
• Power Mirrors: Power mirrors are easier to adjust for drivers with limited strength or arthritis.
• Large/wide-angle mirrors: For those who have difficulty turning or twisting to look to the rear when changing lanes or backing up, large wide-angle mirrors can improve visibility.
• Visors and Extendable Visors: Visors that extend to protect drivers from glare are most important.
• Power-operated, 6-way adjustable seats: These require less strength to adjust. At a minimum, the seats should offer six-way adjustment: forward and backward, up and down, and seatback forward and backward.
• Seat Height: The ideal seat height is between mid-thigh and lower buttocks. A low-slung sports car may look snazzy, but it requires extra strength and flexibility to get into and out of the vehicle. Likewise, a tall SUV requires extra effort to climb up into a seat.
• Low Door Threshold: Low door thresholds, or "sills" make getting in and out easier, reducing the need to lift the leg over the threshold.
• Heated Seats: Heated seats can help improve comfort for drivers with back pain.
• Lumbar Support: Lumbar support can help improve comfort for many drivers, especially those with back pain.
• Four doors: Though not as sporty, four-door models make entry and exit easier, especially if the car has a rear seat. Two-door cars also have longer, heavier doors, requiring more strength to open and close.
• Keyless entry: Operated by a push-button on the key fob, this feature is good for those with arthritic hands who find it painful to twist a key.
• Keyless ignition: Utilizing a dash-mounted push-button instead of a traditional key, keyless ignition is beneficial to those with stiff or painful fingers who find it difficult to twist the ignition key.
• Tilt/telescoping steering wheel: The extra adjustments help the driver find a safe distance from the front airbag, as well as a comfortable position that alleviates knee, back, hip, neck or shoulder pain.
• Thick Steering Wheel: Thicker steering wheels require less hand and write strength to grip and handle.
• Adjustable Seat Belts: Adjustable seat belts assist drivers in reaching for buckling/unbuckling the seat belt. It also helps drivers find a comfortable position for the belt.
• Proven Crashworthiness: A new vehicle should exemplify proven crashworthiness based upon crash test and rollover ratings available here.
• Adjustable head restraints: This type of restraint moves forward to cushion the head if the car is hit from behind, helping reduce neck injuries.
• Brake assist: Like the term implies, brake assist helps the driver generate enough force during emergency braking to stop the car in time to prevent a collision.
• Anti-lock brakes: ABS prevents the wheels from locking during hard braking, helping the driver retain steering control and eliminating the need to "pump" the brakes, an action that might be challenging for some older drivers.
• Side/side-curtain airbags: Side airbags protect the torso, pelvis and head. Older, frail adults - more prone to death or injury in crashes than younger people - may especially benefit from additional airbags.
• Dual-stage/dual-threshold airbags: The airbag inflation force varies based on driver/passenger weight, distance from airbags and crash severity. This is important for frail adults who may be injured by airbags that deploy too hard.
• Stability-control: This feature helps prevent loss of control in a turn, especially on slippery roads. It's particularly beneficial to older drivers with slowed reaction times, because it automatically makes quick corrections to keep the car on course.