CarFit Drives to Improve Safety, Comfort Behind the Wheel
By: Source: AARP.org Date Posted: 2007-07-23 15:05:01.242096-04:00
Driving her car to and from her job was just second nature for Janet throughout her 31-year career as a middle school teacher. But now that she is retired, widowed, and going on age 75, Janet knows she has to put a little more time and effort into the process if she wants to remain safe on the roadway.
Freeways scare her much more than they used to, and her increasing lack of flexibility sometimes makes it harder for her to see vehicles aside or behind her on the highway.
Janet is not alone. The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that by the year 2030, one of every five drivers will be age 65 or older. That's 30 million older drivers on the road. In part, that is why CarFit—a new program developed by ASA (American Society of Aging) in conjunction with AARP, AAA and the AOTA (American Occupational Therapy Association)—will be launched in Wisconsin this fall to better equip those drivers to safely navigate roadways.
The goal of CarFit is to help older drivers fit better and feel more comfortable in their vehicles, which will contribute to safer driving. "The program can help all drivers on the road, but the focus is to help more on those who are 65 and older who will really benefit from knowing their own cars a little better and overcoming some of the limitations they might be experiencing," said Jennifer Baier, program coordinator for AARP Wisconsin.
This is the first year the program is being offered in Wisconsin. Events are being planned in Madison and Appleton for some time in October, with hopes that others can be held across the state next year. At each event, drivers will go through a 12-point checklist to make sure they can perform basic functions in their car, such as see over the steering wheel, adjust their seats and mirrors, reach the pedals, turn their heads to see in their blind spots, operate their seat belts, and use all the car's newer features.
If any problems are identified during the checkup, they will move onto the next station where an occupational therapist will help them correct the problem before heading back out on the road. For example, the therapist might help them adjust their seats or mirrors to improve comfort and viewing. The entire CarFit process takes about 20 minutes to complete.
AARP Wisconsin is currently recruiting volunteers, picking locations for CarFit events, and scheduling training for CarFit event coordinators and technicians. After the events are scheduled and event coordinators and technicians have been identified, a two-day training for CarFit volunteers will be held just prior to the event.
Anyone who is interested in learning more about the CarFit program or in becoming a volunteer event coordinator or technician is urged to call Baier at (608)286-6300.
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