7 car features that help older drivers to drive safely

Most of the new vehicle models that we see in commercials today are equipped with everything edgy and high-tech features. These are definitely awesome for the people of the current generation but we can’t really say that it’s meant for everyone.

Most manufactured vehicles now have so many buttons, switches and sometimes multiple switches on the dashboard that some people may even have to get used to it first. Although most people find this classy, modern and high-tech, there is still that large portion of the population that car manufacturers need to cater to.

Older drivers didn’t learn to drive in a car with voice-command GPS and a highly responsive infotainment system. So to help you out with picking the right car for that oldie but goodie in your life, we’ve listed necessary features.

These are just some of what we can recommend making any senior driver’s riding experience safer and more comfortable. These can be manually bought and installed into your target vehicle or you can opt to buy a car with these features already built-in. 

The car technology required by senior drivers to boost comfort and safety doesn’t have to be complicated; in fact, they can be the most basic features like the ones Philkotse.com listed here.

1. Wider Rear View Mirrors

If you as a middle-aged driver are having trouble peeking at the blind spots, what more if you’re at above fifty? This is why rear-view mirrors are important but wider rear view mirrors will give more view of the rear traffic.

This will also make it possible to notice vehicles or other elements in your blind spots. More view of the rear means more area for the driver to scan. The more the driver is aware of his surroundings, the better his responses will be to traffic.

Rear-view mirrors are important but wider rear view mirrors will give more view of the rear traffic

>>> Also check out: How to install a rearview mirror in your car: 7 easy steps

2. Rear view camera or back up cam

Senior drivers can benefit from cameras too. If the interface is easy enough and if they are taught well, they can even navigate it themselves. When a person ages, the ability of the eyes to see clearly isn’t as polished as before.

Sight, one of the most necessary senses used while driving, is assisted by exterior cameras around the vehicle act as an extra pair. Most senior drivers will really appreciate this feature, especially those that had to put up with neck and back pain as they try to look around to maneuver the vehicle safely.

There are also other vehicle manufacturers that incorporate the idea of 360 degrees camera view around the car. Though these can be pretty hard for some seniors, this feature can really be useful to them when learned.

Back up camera helps the elders to see the road clearly

>>> View more: 

• Best dash cam in the Philippines 2019: 5 features to consider & 5 recommended products
• 8 Great Benefits of Installing Dashcam In Your Car

3. Adaptive headlights

If you haven’t heard of this new tech upgrade yet, it is where the headlights are crafted to turn and shine on the same direction where the steering wheel is pointed at.

These will be great at night but will also be useful in bad weather conditions like heavy rain or extreme fog condensation. When making turns, any vehicle that may be coming your way will immediately know that there is a vehicle headed for their direction.

Adaptive headlight is where the headlights are crafted to turn and shine on the same direction where the steering wheel is pointed at

4. Keyless entry

One of the usual signs of aging is the pain in the joints and being forgetful. These two problems will eventually give you wrist pains when you try to unlock your car and help you lose your keys.

Though most of the younger people who have cars with this feature mostly like it because it's "cool", it appears this feature is actually more like a necessity to older drivers.

Vehicles with keyless entry will no longer require a key to be punched in and turned just to get the door open. Just keep the key fob in your safe pocket and press the button to unlock your car.

Senior also won't have to worry about inserting a key to start the engine. Vehicles with keyless entry are also built with "push-start engines". With keys eliminated, older drivers won't have to worry about losing their key or needing to hurt their wrists just to get the door unlocked or the engine started.

>>> Related: How to install car keyless entry: Definition, Step-by-step guide, and FAQs

Just keep the key fob in your safe pocket and press the button to unlock your car

5. Large-sized gauges and dashboard indicators

A lot of the old people who can drive nowadays aren't really savvy with touchscreen infotainment systems. Most of them prefer the simpler interface that can almost match up with their age. Aging will eventually lead to shaky fingers and poor vision.

This is why large gauges and buttons are appreciated more than touch panel monitors. Light indicators should also be easy to see along with the other controls at the dashboard.

Light indicators should also be easy to see along with the other controls at the dashboard

6. Adjustable everything

Older people, driver or not, are more prone to body pain due to age-acquired illnesses like arthritis and rheumatism. This makes driving a task that's fairly hard and uncomfortable to do. To lighten the stress and fatigue that seniors feel after every drive, choose a vehicle with as much as adjustable features that concern comfort.

Adjustable seats

Staying in one position when driving in long distances may cause numbness and back pain to seniors. This is why it's recommended that they drive a vehicle with adjustable seats so they can alter their sitting position whenever their back or legs start to feel uncomfortable.

Adjustable steering wheel

This works hand in hand with the adjustable seats. If the driver starts to feel sore at his feet, he can move the seat away from the steering wheel to give his legs more space. He can just then adjust the steering wheel so he doesn't have to lean forward and hurt his back.

7. Forward collision warning and auto brake system

These two work together to successfully prevent accidents from the front of the car. The forward collision warning signals to the driver if the sensor detects a vehicle up front is getting too close. The auto brake activates when the driver fails to slow down and stop the car before it hits the vehicle in front.

The forward collision warning signals to the driver if the sensor detects a vehicle up front is getting too close

>>> Click here to get more helpful tips and advice for your safe driving