Here is a “Why didn’t I think of that?” idea for car manufacturers. The Renault Clio car has a newly designed swivel seat. Seriously – why hasn’t this been thought of before, especially for cars built with elder drivers in mind?

I own a Build Park Avenue, a car typically associated with older drivers. Our Park Avenue has a seat adjustment button that one can set for exiting the car. Say you’re an older driver that has difficulty getting out of the car. You just push that button and the seat drops down low and moves back – clearly a design feature for older drivers . . . but it has nothing on that swivel seat.

I want a swivel seat for myself, so why wouldn’t elders want them? Given the elder population wave, I suspect we’ll see more swivel seats on the horizon. Good job Renault!

Doctors, either general practice or geriatricians, are increasingly being faced with the difficult task of determining an older driver’s ability to drive safely. Adult children may express concern to the physician, a spouse, or perhaps a police officer prompts the conversation.

Doctors have a reference for assessing and elder’s ability to drive safely. The American Medical Association published the Physician’s Guide to Assessing and Counseling Older Drivers, developed in cooperation with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The introduction reads:

The information in this guide is provided to assist physicians in evaluating the ability of their older patients to operate motor vehicles safely as part of their everyday, personal activities. Evaluating the ability of patients to operate commercial vehicles or to function as professional drivers involves more stringent criteria and is beyond the scope of this publication.

This guide is not intended as a standard of medical care, nor should it be used as a substitute for physicians’ clinical judgment. Rather, this guide reflects the scientific literature and views of experts as of December 2009, and is provided for informational and educational purposes only.

Download the 246 page pdf file here.

The ability to drive is an important element in maintaining one’s independence as we age, but the older we get the harder it is to continue driving safely. Old age brings about slower reaction times, impaired judgment and physical limitations. There are safe driving tips that elders can use to extend their ability to drive safely, however. These tips include:

1. Avoid driving at night if you have trouble with your vision, and don’t tint your windows.
2. Avoid driving during periods of high traffic, typically during morning, lunch and evening commute times.
3. Keep your windshield, headlights and mirror clean to improve visibility.
4. Raise your seat high enough so you have a clear view of the road. Sit on a small pillow if necessary.
5. Limit distracting noise inside the vehicle. This includes the radio and conversations with passengers and use of cell phones.
6. Watch for flashing lights of emergency vehicles if you have difficult hearing. Stay alert.
7. Keep a safe distance between you and the car ahead so you have ample time to brake if necessary.
8. Brake early, before you need to stop.
9. Avoid left hand turns when you can. Sometimes a few right hand turns that would put you on the road you want. When you must make a left hand turn, try to do it where a green arrow will provide a safe turn.
10. Keep windshield wiper blades in proper working condition.
11. If possible, drive a car with an automatic transmission. These cars allow the driver to focus more on his/her surroundings and less on the actual operation of the vehicle.
12. Get periodic vision and hearing tests to make sure your senses are as keen as possible. Get hearing aids and new glasses when needed.
13. Take a defensive driving course offered through the AARP or the American Automobile Association. Some insurance policies offer price discounts when individuals take these courses.
14. Carefully read medication labels to see if they may impair driving skills.
15. Don’t drive if you’re feeling tired, lightheaded or stressed.
16. Avoid driving during inclement weather.
17. Use other transportation services such as taxis and buses if you’re unsure of your ability to drive safely.
18. Drive on familiar streets and limit trips to those close to home.
19. Always wear your seat belt.
20. Keep your headlights on at all times.

Wondering when to give up (or take) one’s keys? Click here.