(December 2, 2013) WASHINGTON — Seniors shopping for a new ride can find "smart" features in  today's cars that help alleviate a variety of age-related health conditions that typically challenge older drivers, according to AAA. 

Nearly 90 percent of motorists 65 and older suffer from health concerns that affect driving safety, for example, lack of flexibility and muscle strength.  To help inform seniors about smart car choices, AAA's automotive experts reviewed more than 200 2013 model year makes and models to identify features that better equip seniors for driving safety and comfort in an update to Smart Features for Older Drivers.

"Although older Americans are healthier now more than ever before, the aging process can diminish a person's vision or limit range of motion that could impact their driving," said AAA Director of Traffic Safety Advocacy and Research, Jake Nelson. "The good news is that AAA found that more than 200 vehicles have one or more smart features that can help the aging driver deal more effectively with these conditions."

To help underscore the need to improve older driver safety as 10,000 Americans turn 65 every day, AAA originally launched Smart Features for Older Drivers in partnership with the University of Florida's Institute for Mobility, Activity and Participation in 2008. 

In the recent update, Smart Features lists 2013 vehicle features that optimize older driver safety and comfort, notes current vehicles with those features, and allows users to explore their individual needs through an interactive online widget.

Because everyone ages differently, AAA advises older drivers to look for vehicles that address their specific needs and medical conditions.

Our expert team recommends you consider the following factors when evaluating a vehicle:

    • Safety features, such as seat belts and the positions and types of airbags.
    • Ergonomics, or design features, that reduce operator fatigue and discomfort, such as adjustable pedals and seats.
    • Comfort, such as ease of entry and exit, leg room and size of control buttons.
    • Value, which incorporates the total cost of ownership including price, operating and maintenance costs, as well as reliability, fuel economy and resale value.

"A 2012 survey revealed that only one in 10 senior drivers with health issues are driving a vehicle with features like keyless entry or larger dashboard controls that can assist with such conditions," said Nelson. "AAA's goal is to empower older drivers with information that can help keep them safer behind the wheel."  

AAA is announcing the Smart Features update in support of the American Occupational Therapy Association's (AOTA) Older Driver Safety Awareness Week, Dec. 2-6.  This week aims to promote understanding of the importance of mobility and transportation to ensure older adults remain active in the community—shopping, working or volunteering — with the confidence that transportation will not be the barrier stranding them at home.