10,000 Americans turn 65 every day and to help senior drivers find a better ‘fit’ with their cars for comfort and safety, mobility experts are hosting CarFit, a safety program designed to help older drivers. CarFit is a national program developed by AAA, AARP and the American Occupational Therapy Association and is designed to give a quick, yet comprehensive check on how well older drivers and their vehicles work together.
The Kansas Department of Transportation along with AAA-Kansas will be conducting CarFit check-ups in Salina on Sept. 23 and Topeka on Sept. 24. The Salina check-up is part of the North Central-Flint Hills AAA Sunflower Fair. The Topeka check-up is in conjunction with the Topeka-Shawnee County Public Library’s Senior Fair. Preregistration is strongly encouraged.
“As we age, changes in our vision, flexibility, strength, range of motion and even size and height may make us less comfortable and reduce our control behind the wheel,” said Jim Hanni, executive vice president of public affairs for AAA Kansas. “CarFit provides older adults with the tools to understand and apply the safety features of their car.”
At a CarFit event, trained volunteers complete a 12-point checklist with each driver. Among the items checked:
- Correct position of driver’s seat
- Driver’s ability to easily reach pedals
- Proper adjustment of mirrors
Occupational therapists are also on hand also to provide consultation if needed, which will teach drivers how to maintain and improve aspects related to their driving health. The therapist can also provide information to participants addressing individual needs, including information about local community resources on exercise, nutrition and other programs to help keep them safe on the road.
“It is critically important that mature drivers make safety a personal priority,” said Gretchen Gleue, team leader for KDOT’s older driver emphasis area team. “Driving today is more difficult than ever because of increased traffic congestion, longer commute distances, new technology and faster speeds. Older drivers can take important measures to mitigate the stress associated with driving.”
Older drivers can also check with their local AAA club or AARP office to take a driver safety refresher course for older road users or look into occupational therapy driving evaluation programs for individualized assessments and recommendations. CarFit represents an extension of those classroom programs and an opportunity for older drivers to make sure their personal vehicles are adjusted to their needs.
REGISTRATION DETAILS:
Each check-up takes approximately 20 minutes.
Sept. 23rd, 9 a.m. to noon, Salina
Salina Bicentennial Center
800 The Midway
Preregister with North Central-Flint Hills AAA (785) 776-9294
Sept. 24th, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Topeka
Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library
1515 S.W. 10th Ave.
Preregister with KDOT (785) 296-0845