Do you or your loved one hit the road often? If you’re middle-aged, ensuring you’re traveling around safely is a top priority, as you are more likely to encounter challenges than your younger counterparts. Fortunately, there are various aids and tools available to assist you in overcoming common obstacles and maintaining your independence behind the wheel. Discover the eight essential tools for driving safely in your 50s.
Standing Grip Aids
Entering and exiting vehicles can pose challenges as you age. Health conditions or physical changes may make this task difficult. These aids provide a secure grip to assist you in boosting yourself up and out of the vehicle. With a non-slip hand-hold, they can typically support weights of up to 350 pounds.
Standing aids are particularly helpful for older adults with Alzheimer’s, dementia, Parkinson’s, stroke or mobility issues. If you or a loved one struggles with mobility issues, consider utilizing these aids to make this process easier.
Swiveling Car Seat Cushions
Swiveling car seat cushions feature a base that rotates, allowing you to easily spin yourself into the car seat and pull your legs inside. You can bid farewell to the struggle of maneuvering your body around while trying to enter the vehicle. These cushions also facilitate the entry/exit process for those assisting you.
Seatbelt Buckle Release Aids
For those with arthritis or limited hand strength, unbuckling a seatbelt can be challenging. Seatbelt buckle release aids provide assistance by making it easier to undo a standard seatbelt. By pressing down on the soft rubber tool, the seatbelt button below is pushed down, allowing for easy release.
Seatbelt Buckle Guards
Individuals with Alzheimer’s or dementia may inadvertently unbuckle their seatbelts while driving, posing a huge safety risk. Seatbelt buckle guards prevent this by requiring a key to be inserted into a slot for unbuckling. In case of an accident or emergency, release the buckle the same way with the key.
Seatbelt Buckle Extenders
Limited mobility can make it difficult to reach down fully and buckle the seatbelt properly. Seatbelt buckle extenders alleviate this issue by providing additional length, making it easier to fasten the seatbelt securely. Be sure to select the appropriate size extender for your vehicle’s buckle.
Seatbelt Grab Handles
Arthritis or limited shoulder mobility may hinder your ability to reach and pull down the seatbelt. Seatbelt grab handles attach to the seatbelt, offering an extended handle for easier access. While effectiveness may vary, many users find them beneficial for improving accessibility.
Car Mirror Extenders
Difficulty seeing in the rearview and side mirrors can impede your driving experience. Car mirror extenders provide a broader and clearer view of your vehicle’s surroundings. Panoramic mirrors and blind spot mirrors help compensate for limited neck and shoulder mobility, improving your safety on the road.
Car Pedal Extenders
As we age, slight changes in height may affect our ability to reach the gas and brake pedals comfortably. Car pedal extenders offer a solution by lengthening the pedals, making driving safer and more comfortable. Additionally, they help prevent injuries from airbag deployment by maintaining a safe distance from the steering wheel.
Driving safely in your 50s involves being equipped with the right aids to overcome unique challenges on the road. By utilizing these tools, you can boost your confidence, independence and overall driving experience.
