Learn about vehicle safety features that can protect you and your passengers in a crash.
Using the tools on the Rightcar website you can search vehicle performance on fuel economy, driver safety, carbon dioxide CO2 emissions and air pollution; all of which should help when it comes to choosing the right car for you.
Choose vehicles with high safety ratings. The following features are recommended for new vehicle buyers:
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC): systems that use sensors to detect and prevent a vehicle going out of control
- four-star minimum ANCAP (Australasian New Car Assessment Program) crash rating: for safety ratings based on crash test results check Rightcar
- head-protecting side or curtain airbags.
Some other ideas to consider when purchasing a new car for senior drivers are:
- Adjustable pedals
With a push of a button, the driver can adjust the accelerator and brake pedals, a feature especially for petite drivers to reach the pedals while ensuring they are a safe distance (about 30.5 cm) from the airbag mounted in the steering-wheel hub. - Adjustable steering wheel and seats.
- Electric mirrors
Electric mirrors are easier to adjust for drivers with limited strength or arthritis. - Large/wide-angle mirrors
For those who have difficulty twisting to look to the rear when changing lanes or reversing, large wide-angle mirrors can improve visibility. - Visors and extendable visors
Visors that extend to protect drivers from glare are very important. - Low door threshold
Low door thresholds, or 'sills' make getting in and getting out of car easier, reducing the need to lift the leg over the threshold. - Thick steering wheel
Thicker steering wheels require less hand and wrist strength to grip and handle. - Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Anti-lock brakes prevent the wheels from locking during hard braking, helping the driver retain steering control and eliminating the need to 'pump' the brakes, an action that might be challenging for some senior drivers. - Emergency Brake Assist (EBA)
EBA is a system that detects panic braking and automatically applies maximum braking force. Most drivers (not just senior) do not apply enough braking force in an emergency, so they are not stopping as quickly as the car is capable of. - Headrests
Minimise the risk of whiplash injuries. - Power steering
Less physical effort is needed to turn and control the vehicle - Safety belt pre-tensioners, side intrusion bars and front and rear crumple zones
All these features absorb energy and protect occupants in event of crash.
Buying a safe used car
You can also find out safety ratings for passenger vehicles built between 1992 and 2007. The Used car safety ratings give an indication of how safe 349 common Australian and New Zealand used-vehicle models are likely to be in a crash.
The costs of running a car
The actual costs of operating a car can be expensive. The cost of running an older, small car can be somewhere in the region of $1,800 to $2,500 per year, not counting the value of the car itself and depreciation. This includes petrol, motor vehicle licensing (registration), warrant of fitness, insurance and annual service costs.
The Fuelsaver website can help you work out how much you currently spend on fuel and gives tips on how to cut down the amount of fuel you use.
