Not Just Leather Seats: Car Upgrades in the 21st Century

Changes to your reaction time and vision make driving difficult in your golden years. But the senior driver is not the only one having problems. Teen drivers also struggle to learn safe driving skills when adverse situations arise. Even experienced drivers find themselves facing difficulties as more drivers are using cell phones or texting while driving. Some drivers are even getting behind the wheel after using drugs or alcohol, and there are always unexpected situations like wild animals running into the road or sudden storms that quickly worsen road conditions and visibility. Vehicle manufacturers are taking this information to heart and creating great add-ons that make driving safer for everyone.

Audible Warning Systems

Blind spot warning systems alert you to objects in your blind spot. An alarm goes off if you’re trying to pull into another lane and something or someone is in your blind spot. There are also audible warning systems that release loud alarms if you fall asleep at the wheel or become distracted and start to drift out of your lane. The Lexus ES 350 has a built-in lane departure system and blind spot alarms.

A reverse moving-object warning system alerts you to objects that are moving toward the back of your car. Sensors go off if an animal is running toward the back of your vehicle while you are in reverse. This system also catches people on bicycles, motorized equipment, and cars. Teen drivers may benefit from a Nissan Altima that also features lane departure warnings with the moving-object warning system.

Collision warning systems release a loud alarm when you approach another car or object and are not braking. Families with young children could benefit from the Chrysler Town and Country minivan. This vehicle has three rows of seating and blind-spot warning systems to help drivers back up without accidentally hitting a child or pet who darts out behind the moving vehicle.

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Auto-Pilot Technology

Some auto manufacturers have come up with technology that applies the brakes if the sensors catch that you are coming up on another object too fast. This technology also has auto-steering capabilities that help return your car to your lane if you start drifting. While the cars do not take over driving your entire trip for you, this technology does help keep drivers safe if they fall asleep, are not paying attention, or have a medical emergency while driving. Lexus again steps up and delivers a car that makes driving safer with its use of auto-braking, blind spot alarms, and a collision warning system.

Parking Assistance

Some newer vehicles come equipped with sensors that help with parking. These sensors trigger alarms that let you know when you’re coming too close to parking barricades, curbs, light posts, walls, or other cars. The Dodge Charger is one car that has these sensors. It’s a great car for the teen driver who is still acclimating to judging distances when parallel parking or pulling into narrow parking spaces.

Rear Backup Cameras

Rear backup cameras are showing up in many family-friendly cars. These cameras provide exceptional visibility that allows you to see what is behind you as you back up, eliminating common blind spots. Backup cameras make sure you see a child who isn’t paying attention and suddenly rides a bike behind your car, or helps you see the trash cans that you missed while checking sideview and rearview mirrors. AAA listed the Chrysler 300 as a great car for older drivers because it features the rear backup camera and larger side and rearview mirrors that extend visibility.

This article was provided by Taylor Morford, classic car enthusiast and tech guru. If you’re a car dealer looking for better ways to serve your customers, Taylor recommends auto dealership CRM tools.