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Websites assist senior drivers

Websites assist senior drivers

For most senior citizens, giving up driving is akin to being put in a cage. Having a vehicle and being able to drive it where they need or want to go means that they continue to retain their freedom and independence.

Relinquishing the keys is painful and seniors certainly don't want to do it any sooner than necessary.

By 2020, AAA (the former American Automobile Association) estimates there will be 40 million drivers over the age of 65 on the road because right now 10,000 baby boomers are turning 65 every day in the U.S.

That is one of the main reasons automobile manufacturers are adding more "smart" and comfort features to their cars. Features like blind spot warning lights and buzzers, parking assistance, high-contrast instrument panels and multi-adjustable seats benefit senior drivers.

In fact, Edmunds.com compiled an online list of the Top 10 Vehicles for Seniors that older drivers can reference as a resource when choosing a new car.

And AAA enhanced its online services in 2012 by starting a special interactive website, seniordriving.AAA.com, which also helps seniors identify the best vehicles for them, based on their own individual needs. It offers extensive information about which vehicle options can assist with which physical infirmities, said Beth Mosher, director of public affairs for AAA Chicago, which covers Illinois and northern Indiana.

Seniors are encouraged to identify their individual health issues and then shop for an appropriate car. For instance, adjustable foot pedals, tilt steering wheels and six-way adjustable seats are designed for those who are short or heavy around the middle. Those with stiff fingers or arthritic hands might gravitate toward keyless entry and push-start ignition vehicles, as well as those equipped with thicker steering wheels. Those with declining eyesight might want high-contrast dashboard displays.

It seems as if all manufacturers offer at least some of these features in their cars.

"There is also a part of the website that helps adult children start discussions with their parents about driving safety, as well as a confidential, educational tool called 'Roadwise Rx' to help seniors and their families understand common side effects of prescription and over-the-counter medications, foods and supplements and how their use could affect safety behind the wheel," she said.

"Many of the tools that automakers are putting into cars today are making driving a whole lot safer for everyone - senior or not. For instance, the blind spot (warning) lights and buzzers are definitely reducing crashes for everyone," Mosher said.

"Everyone in the automobile industry wants seniors to be able to stay on the road as long as possible, so they are actively developing tools that will allow them to drive safer, longer," she added.

Even before these "smart" features became commonplace in cars, there were many basic adjustments drivers could make in their seat settings that would make their driving experiences safer. AAA addresses those adjustments in its SafeFit portion of the website as automakers continue to enhance those adjustable options.

"Changes in vision, flexibility, strength, range of motion and even height are all part of the aging process, and they can affect senior drivers behind the wheel. That's why it's so important to educate yourself about how to choose or make alterations to ensure it's the right vehicle for you, one that will optimize your driving performance and safety," the AAA Senior Driving website states.

Once you are seated properly in your vehicle, the website suggests seniors make the following adjustments to decrease the likelihood of an injury in a crash.

• Sit 10 inches away from the steering wheel to give the air bag the time and space it needs to expand in an impact.

• Raise the seat so that you can see at least 3 inches over the top of the steering wheel.

• Wear your safety belt so the bottom strap fits low on your hips and the shoulder strap sits snugly across your chest and over the center of your shoulder. If the shoulder strap cuts into your neck or doesn't rest firmly on your chest and shoulder, it's not positioned right. Tilting the seat forward can correct these problems.

• Be able to operate the accelerator and the brake without having to stretch your leg or lift your heel off the floorboard. Moving the seat forward can help you reach the pedals better.

If you're still not positioned properly, contact your local AAA club or visit www.Car-Fit.org. The AAA club can lead you to resources for adaptive vehicle devices designed for in-car use, such as hand controls, pedal extenders, special mirrors and specially designed foam cushions that overcome specific issues.

Don't try to fix position issues with things you have at home, like pillows and wooden blocks, the site cautions. Things like that can slide, break and go flying unexpectedly, creating an additional safety hazard.

Safe vehicles

According to the Edmunds.com website, the Top Ten Vehicles for Seniors for 2014 (thanks to a whole host of senior-friendly features in each) are:

<span class="fact box text bold">1.</span> Acura RDX sport utility vehicle

<span class="fact box text bold">2.</span> Audi A8 sedan

<span class="fact box text bold">3.</span> Ford Taurus sedan

<span class="fact box text bold">4.</span> Honda Accord sedan

<span class="fact box text bold">5.</span> Hyundai Sonata sedan

<span class="fact box text bold">6.</span> Lexus ES 350 sedan

<span class="fact box text bold">7.</span> Mazda CX-0 sport utility vehicle

<span class="fact box text bold">8.</span> Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan

<span class="fact box text bold">9. </span>Toyota Avalon sedan

<span class="fact box text bold">10.</span> Volkswagen Passat

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