One thing that disturbs me quite a bit on the road is the driverless car. Huh? B.C. laws don’t allow that, so what’s he talking about?
I’m actually talking about the size of some drivers in relation to the vehicle they’re operating.
It’s not uncommon around these parts to see, or not see, a person behind the wheel who is so small that it appears that the car is driving itself. Mostly you’ll notice that scenario when you pull in behind one — the driver’s seat appears empty.
I’ve occasionally even seen a driverless car from the front — the only giveaway being a pair of small hands on top of the steering wheel — a tiny face peering out from below.
Driving a car that’s too big for you or doesn’t allow you a full view of the road is a safety concern and actually dangerous.
Sharon emailed me recently about the issue, especially as it pertains to seniors.
Excuse the earlier sarcasm, but there are some really important road safety concerns for seniors in finding a car they can drive and manoeuvre easily.
With decreased vision, slower reaction times and ever increasing vehicle tech features, what should a senior driver be looking for in a car?
To me the most important attribute you need in a car is ease of visibility. You can’t react to a driving problem if you can’t see it.
I’ve written about this before. Modern vehicles with expanded airbag features mean that door and window posts are much bigger than when you were driving your dad’s Buick around town.
The result is decreased sight lines. The more you can see the better. All newer cars have airbag features but every make and model is designed differently. Try to go for the ones that give you the easiest view of the road around you.
When buying it may be a better option to consider a two-door model car rather than a four door. Two doors often tend to be larger and allow for easier access and egress to the driver’s seat. Of course everything is a trade-off and if you’re carrying passengers frequently, folding yourself into a back seat can be a nightmare. If a four-door is required, climb into the back seat yourself and make sure it will work for your passengers.
A minivan is often a great option for access because of its elevated seat height, avoiding the problems with dropping down or climbing out that becomes more difficult with age. But caution is warranted here because of their larger size and challenges around manoeuvrability.
Again your priority is to be able to see from all angles inside your vehicle and be able to know where its edges are. A rear view camera is a must and are standard features on most newer models now. Minivans usually have heavier sliding rear doors for passengers. Many have self opening and closing options — but if they don’t make sure you are able to operate them easily on your own.
One thing that plagues me is a high door sill. After a long drive with some cars I’ve felt that it is often harder than it should be to lift your leg over a high sill to put your foot on the ground. It should never be really uncomfortable to get in and out of your car.
I’ve also often had problems with clicking into certain seatbelts. There are few brands that take the concept of “make it snug and low across the hips” to an extreme with seat belt latches virtually buried inside the seat. Lots of models seem to find the balance between a proper seat belt fit and ease of use. Why can’t some other brands figure that out?
Also be airbag-aware. You should be at least 25 cm away from your steering wheel airbag. A car that can’t give you that is not for you.
The fit and feel of the car are important. If you’re constantly having to shift around and adjust things you’re taking attention away from the road — but equally important are sensible, easy to read dashboard instruments. There’s a trend towards complication happening in the industry, which is unnecessary. Make sure you can see and operate all the functions inside your car easily and without having to take your eyes off the road when driving.
There are all kinds of comparison surveys out there about the best cars for seniors but the ones I consistently keep seeing are: the Toyota Camry (which seems to win every category every year), the Subaru Outback, and the Honda Accord.
Remember though, visibility, fit and comfort are key safety considerations for seniors who still have lots of miles to go yet on our roadways.
