If you’re a senior driver, you’ll have additional needs to consider. When you visit a car dealership next, it’s important to prioritize safety and comfort on your list of must-haves. Not all vehicles come with features that will benefit you, so here’s a guide to get you started.

What Safety Features Should You Look For?

Safety is paramount for senior drivers, especially since they may have slower reaction times and physical issues that can affect their driving. Below are some features that will assist them on the road.

• Airbags & Seatbelts: By default, vehicles come with airbags and seatbelts; however, some models may have had manufacturing issues that required recalls or repairs. Be sure to ask about this.    

• Rearview Camera: Reversing can be tricky if you have physical limitations. Address this with a rearview camera, which shows everything behind the vehicle.

• Blind Spot Monitor: Similar to a back-up sensor, it warns the driver of collisions with objects located in blind spots. Some give alerts when there’s a vehicle in your target lane as you signal a turn. This feature is helpful for senior citizens with a limited range of motion.

• Forward Collision Warning: Another nifty feature, this system employs cameras or laser sensors to alert drivers of imminent collisions with the vehicle ahead, be it because of slow-moving traffic or that you’re going too fast.

• Auto Emergency Braking (AEB): As the name implies, AEB applies the brakes when it senses a possible crash to reduce impact.

What Features Will You Need for Driving Grandchildren?

If you’ll be driving your grandchildren around, here’s what you need to consider at the car dealership.

• Height: Opt for sedans or compact SUVs instead of taller vehicles for ease of entry and exit, both for kids and seniors.

• Wide Door Openings: Look for vehicles with doors that open wide—you’ll have plenty of room to strap your grandchildren in their car seats without much effort and body contortion.

How to Ensure Comfort

To find the most comfortable vehicle, visit a car dealership. At the showroom, they will allow you to sit inside and take a closer look at the car’s features. You can even test-drive it to see how it feels. If you find some features to be lacking, you can add adaptive devices.

As a senior driver, finding the right vehicle entails extensive research. Head over to Jackson Chevrolet Buick GMC and let the professionals help you. As the premier car dealership in LaFayette, GA, they offer a wide array of new and used vehicles to motorists across North Georgia and Chattanooga. Call (888) 552-0958 for a test-drive, or browse their selection of brand new and certified used cars online.