Helping Aging Drivers: Driving Facts and Tips

How to make sure you car fits your needs

Driving has become an increasingly challenging task. Cars are moving faster and the roads are busier. While automotive and road engineers have begun to address issues for aging drivers, you can also take measures into your own hands and reduce the stress of driving by making your vehicle "fit." To see how you can make your car a better fit, click here.

Making your vehicle fit does not mean you need to purchase a new vehicle. Sometimes adjusting your head restraint, side mirrors or installing an adaptive device can make a lifesaving difference for both you and your family.

Before you go on the road, here are some ways to ensure you and your car are as good a fit as possible:

Steering wheel

You should be able to see at least 3 inches/7.5 centimetres above the steering wheel.

There should be at least 10-12 inches/25-30 centimetres between your breastbone and the front airbag and steering wheel.

Driver's seat

Adjust your seat height and position for good sightlines and easy access to all dashboard controls.

Save yourself from neck injury by adjusting the head restraint so the centre of the head restraint is against the back of your head, not your neck. If necessary, have a friend help you grasp the head restraint and pull it up.

Seatbelt

Your seatbelt should hold you comfortably in the proper position. The lower part of the seat belt should go across your hips and the upper part across your rib cage — not behind your arm or upper body.

Mirrors

Before starting your car, position your mirrors to minimize your blind spots. From your regular driving position, adjust your rear view mirror to see as much of the back window as possible. Next, lean your head against the left window and adjust the left side view mirror so you can just see the side of your vehicle. Then lean your head towards the middle of the car, just above the console, and adjust the right side view mirror so you can just see the right side of the car. Now, you have an almost seamless view of other vehicles as they approach your left or right side.

The new view may take some time getting used to. Ask a friend to stand around the vehicle so you can practice using your mirrors.

Gas and brake pedals

Without stretching your leg too far, you should be able to reach the brake and gas pedals with your whole foot (not just heel or toes). You should be able to depress the brake pedal completely, and move your foot easily from the gas to the brake.

Make sure you can:

Reach your shoulder harness to buckle and unbuckle yourself easily
Get into and out of your vehicle easily
Turn your head to look over your shoulder when you change lanes
Sit as comfortably as you can without stiffness or pain in your knees, back, hips, neck or shoulders

For more information on the CarFit program, please click here.

CarFit is an educational program created by the American Society on Aging and developed in collaboration with the American Automobile Association (AAA), American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) and the American Occupational Therapy Association.

This information is not intended to replace an evaluation by a driver rehabilitation specialist or an occupational therapist (OT). Many devices will require additional training and/or a prescription from an OT.