Cars Designed For Aging Drivers

CLEVELAND -- When you get behind the wheel, you usually know where everything is, but as we age, many drivers need to adjust things to fit their needs.

Now, more and more car companies are taking that into consideration when designing new cars and trucks. Engineers are now using what's called a "third age suit," giving them a feel for the needs of older drivers.

"Typically as you get older, you lose 20 to 40 percent of motion of different joints. Each one being different, each person aging differently," said Fred Lupton, an ergonomic engineer.

Other parts of the suit include gloves that dull the sense of touch and glasses that simulate cataracts. The Ford Motor Co. has developed mirrors that reduce glare, plus better instrument panels, and improved seat belts.