Survey: Older drivers still buying cars
In a recent survey, AAA found that 43 percent of motorists over the age of 55 suffered from at least one of nine driving related difficulties commonly caused by aging, and nearly one out of four motorists over 55 plan to purchase a vehicle in the next two years.
    Because everyone ages differently, AAA recommends mature drivers look for vehicles with features that address their specific needs and health issues. Some of the recommendations included in Smart Features for Mature Drivers include:
    •Drivers suffering from hip or leg pain, decreased leg strength or limited knee range of motion should look for vehicles with six-way adjustable power seats and seat heights that come between the driver’s mid-thigh and lower buttocks. Both of these features can make it easier for drivers to enter and exit a vehicle.
    •Drivers with arthritic hands, painful or stiff fingers or diminished fine motor skills would benefit from four-door models, thick steering wheels, keyless entry and ignition, power mirrors and seats and larger dashboard controls with buttons.
    •Drivers with diminished vision or problems with low contrast sensitivity will find helpful vehicles with extendable sun visors, large audio and climate controls and displays with contrasting text.

Recommended for all seniors
AAA’s Smart Features for Mature Drivers also includes vehicle features recommended for all seniors, regardless of their health issues, such as:
    •Proven crashworthiness, crash test and rollover ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (safercar.gov) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (iihs.org/ratings)
    •Side and dual-stage/threshold airbags that adjust the deployment force based on the severity of the crash
    •Adjustable head restraints and extra padding
    •Antilock brakes
    •Dynamic stability control
    “AAA is committed to keeping seniors driving as long as safely possible through our Lifelong Safe Mobility initiative,” Darbelnet added. “By providing public services such as Smart Features for Mature Drivers, AAA aims to keep the growing senior population safe behind the wheel.”
    For a copy of “Smart Features,” visit www.aaaexchange.com/Main/.