As your parents age, you may be concerned that reduced range of motion, failing eyesight and other common health problems associated with getting older may compromise their ability to stay safe on the Texas roadways. According to Edmunds.com, while you may have a solid reason for your unease, there are plenty of reasons for them to keep the keys for as long as possible. Not only does driving provide independence, it also staves off depression, and those who continue to drive are less likely to need to move to a nursing home. Fortunately, there are some vehicle technologies that may mitigate your fears for your parents’ safety.
While you may spend a couple of seconds adjusting your seat back and getting comfortable before you take off, your parents may have a much harder time finding a position that does not hurt already stiff or aching joints. If the pedals can be adjusted and the steering wheel tilted to a better angle, it may maximize your parent’s range of motion and improve response time.
Automatic emergency braking technology has a proven track record for preventing front-end collisions, and can take over if your parent is not slamming on the brakes quickly enough to keep from plowing into the vehicle or object ahead. If there is a crash, seniors are often at higher risk of injury because of fragile bones, and a notification system that automatically alerts emergency services can result in a timely response.
Camera systems that provide views of the sides and rear of the vehicle are often helpful to those who cannot turn their heads easily, and your parent may also find a blind-spot warning system and blind spot assist helpful in preventing an accident. This information is educational in nature, and should not be interpreted as legal advice.