User Friendly Vehicles for Older Drivers

As many of us know the act of operating a vehicle can become somewhat more difficult as we grow older. It is a simple fact of life that many common tasks such as turning the key and particularly getting in and out of a vehicle can be difficult and even painful. Many new vehicles on the market today are sporting new features that can make the entire process of operating a vehicle much easier for older drivers. Some models, in particular, seems to be leading the way with a wide array of features designed specifically for older drivers. Read on for more details regarding the way these vehicles are making it easier for older drivers to keep on the move.

Many of these features address the presence of arthritis, which has been labeled as the leading cause of disability for many people over the age of 65. For the most part, arthritis causes joint pain that can be quite crippling. The presence of this pain can make shifting a vehicle from one gear to another or turning the key painful if not impossible. New features on modern vehicles that are addressing this problem include:

User friendly control. Unlike knob-operated radio and temperature controls that can make it painful to operate, many new vehicles are now featuring oversized knobs as well as buttons to make the process much easier. Such models are known for using a touch screen in place of these controls that requires only a very light touch to operate; making it much easier for older drivers and passengers as well.

The placement of such controls is also seeing a complete make-over. In the past these controls have been placed in such positions as to require far too much painful stretching. After reviewing the data, manufactures are now placing controls in a manner as to require minimum stretching in order to reduce pain and discomfort. The transmission in vehicles geared for older drivers has also seen a bit of a change in order to accommodate the needs of older drivers. Automatic transmissions have been noted to be far easier on drivers with arthritis due to the fact that they simply require few movements in order to operate the vehicle. In-column shifters are growing in popularity as well as electronic. Such user friendly features require less force than the old mechanical shifters, making the process of operating a vehicle much easier.

Traditional ignitions in the past have required turning the key in order to start the vehicle. Today’s vehicles are now featuring push button ignitions that are built right into the dashboard of the vehicle for improved ergonomics.
The steering wheel has also seen some changes. Many vehicles are now including heated steering wheels to help drivers with arthritis loosen those joints.

With features such as an electronic in-dash shifter, push button ignition, touch screen controls and heated steering wheel it has been suggested that such vehicles may be the most friendly on the market for individuals who suffer from arthritis. In addition, not only does such a vehicle contain all of these user friendly features for older drivers but it is also priced quite affordably, especially in comparison to many vehicles currently on the market that cannot boast the same wide array of user friendly features.

If you, or someone you know has arthritis and is in the market for a new vehicle, be sure to check the new and innovative features currently on the market designed specifically for older individuals and those who suffer from arthritis. These vehicles are sure to help keep you on the move despite tight joints.