Because seniors over age 80 are involved in 5.5 times as many fatal crashes per mile driven as middle-aged drivers, special care should be taken in choosing the safest cars to drive.

Of course, seniors don’t drive as much as they used to and have decades of driving experience, but as we age our reaction times tend to slow down, and of course there is more traffic on the roads than ever before. 

The October issue of Consumer Reports lists what the magazine believes are the best cars for seniors. The full report on “risky drivers” contains insights into the risk factors for both seniors and teens, along with tips to help deal with their unique challenges and test-based recommendations on the best cars for each group. This report is also available at www.consumerreports.org.

Best Cars for Senior Drivers:

Consumer Reports’ list includes new and used vehicles that scored well in Consumer Reports tests for access, visibility, front-seat comfort, driving position, and controls. All vehicles have average or better reliability, and most have standard electronic stability control. (It’s optional on the Ford Taurus, Mercury Sable, and Toyota Camry prior to 2010.) In alphabetical order:

•     Acura: RDX (2013)
•     Ford: Taurus (2008-2009)
•     Honda: Accord V6 (2006-2007), Accord (2008-2012)
•     Hyundai: Azera (2006-2011), Genesis (2009-2012)
•     Infiniti: M (2006-2010)
•     Lexus: RX (2006-2009)
•     Mercury: Sable (2008-2009)
•     Nissan: Altima (2010-2012)
•     Subaru: Impreza (2012), Legacy (2010-2013), Outback (2010-2013), Forester (2009-2012)
•     Toyota: Avalon (2005-2012), Camry (2007-2012), Highlander (2004-2012), RAV4 (2006-2012)
•     Volkswagen: Tiguan (2009-2012)