There are innovative car features that make driving a better experience for a lot of senior citizens. We’re not just talking about better air conditioning options. We’re referring to the complete driving experience.
So if you’re an “oldie” yourself or are planning to buy a vehicle for that golden-aged member of the family, check out this list. Philkotse.com noted down all the features that you should look for in your next vehicle hunt.
1. An adjustable steering wheel
This isn’t just for naturally short or taller people. The adjustable steering wheel feature is also ideal for old people. In specific cases like people suffering from limited upper-body movement, this will come in very handy.
There is a tilting wheel that helps the driver get into a comfortable position driving. This also encourages the driver to maintain a safer distance away from the airbag.
The adjustable steering wheel feature is also ideal for old people
>>> Help your family's member with quick & easy guide to unlock your steering wheel
2. Digital speedometer
You may think a digital speedometer looks cool, fancy, or very sleek. But if you’re a golden-aged fellow with poor eyesight, you will realize how much easier it is to read the numbers while you’re still focusing on the road.
A more modern and (more expensive) alternative to this is the HUD or heads-up display. This projects the current speed of the vehicle right on the vehicle’s windshield. This makes it easier for the driver to see it even if he has poor eyesight
Digital speedometer makes it easier for the driver to see it even if he has poor eyesight
>>> Recommended for you: Top 5 best vehicles for old people in the Philippines in 2020
3. Heated steering wheel
If you’re a senior citizen who is experiencing stiffness in the fingers and hands but still like to drive, this feature is best for you. You will also find this very comfortable if you have arthritis pain in your hands.
The heated steering wheel is very comfortable for people who have arthritis pain in their hands
>>> This is what you need: 5 Best Car Insurance Policies for Seniors of 2019
4. Heated seats
This feature will be highly appreciated by people suffering from lower back pain and/or creaking joints. There are also more expensive versions of this innovation where there are added massagers for the back and buttocks.
Heated seats will be highly appreciated by people suffering from lower back pain and/or creaking joints
5.Wireless key and push-button entry
Golden-aged drivers who suffer from arthritic hands or stiff fingers will highly benefit from this. A typical car with a wireless key and the pushbutton feature can be accessed easier.
The user no longer needs to insert a key every time he needs to get into the car or start the engine. Senior citizen drivers also won’t have to worry about accidentally locking the keys in the car.
With wireless entry, the key doesn’t need to be pulled out of the user’s pocket.
Golden-aged drivers who suffer from arthritic hands or stiff fingers will highly benefit from this feature
>>> Also read: Standard car key vs. keyless entry: Which can better secure your car?
6. Power trunk
The power trunk feature goes hand in hand with the wireless key and push-button entry feature. This feature is also sometimes referred to as the “hands-free tailgate.
Depending on the manufacturer’s discretion, the automatic tailgate can be accessed by waving your foot under the bumper or by using the fob key. Another way to access it by pushing the button on your fob key while you’re at the rear end of your vehicle.
7. Forward auto-braking
This feature will best benefit drivers who have problems with poor vision. This will also come in handy if the user has poor reflexes and has a longer reaction time to snappy incidents that could happen on the road.
This has got to be one of the most vital features that could potentially save the lives of drivers regardless of age.
Forward auto-braking systems can vary depending on various factors. First off, the manufacturer may choose what type of auto-braking system to put in their vehicles.
Second, manufacturers can choose which specific models they want this system to be available.
This feature will best benefit drivers who have problems with poor vision
There are two types of forwarding auto-braking systems that you can find in the market. The first one will still need driver intervention.
It’s programmed to alert the driver if the vehicle gets too close to a detected vehicle at the front. This means you will still need to take over and actually step on the brakes if you don’t want an accident to happen.
The second type is the more recommended variety, especially for old people. This doesn’t just give the driver a warning about the possible collision that could happen.
This also applies the brakes automatically so you can safely stop before the car reaches the vehicle at the front.
>>> There are more: 7 car features that help older drivers to drive safely
8. Blind-spot detection and lane departure warning
We’re basically referring to two different systems here. The first one is blind-spot detection. This uses cameras and sensors to keep an eye on the sides of your vehicle, where you have limited visibility.
If the system detects that there is a vehicle anywhere in the blind spots, it will alarm the driver. The system usually does this by displaying some type of flashing alert on the side view mirror where the threat is present.
Lane departure warning, on the other hand, sometimes uses a so-called “electric eye.” This electric eye targets the markers on the road.
If the lane departure warning senses that the vehicle is drifting too far or too close to the markers, it will alert the driver.
We’re basically referring to two different systems here. The first one is a blind-spot detection
>>> Good to know:
- What is a blind spot in driving & How to remove blind spots on your car
- Blind-spot detection and warning system: Better to know!
There is also a more advanced version of this where the LDW system is able to maneuver the vehicle back into the center of the lane. There are, of course, a few defects spotted by many people who’ve tried the system.
First, the system uses the markers to now, which is the right lane. If there’s bad weather or poor lighting (like night time), it may not be effective.
Recent posts
- Car features that will make you thankful this holiday season Jan 06, 2020
- Best car features that are convenient but not really priorities Jan 26, 2021
- 13 less popular car features that are found in cars yet vital Jan 26, 2021
- 9 essential car features that you need to know before taking the wheel Aug 16, 2022
- Top 10 best features of the Toyota Hiace 2019 you should know Sep 13, 2022