Does your car “fit” you?
What is CarFit An educational program: Provides quick, comprehensive review of how drivers and their cars work together. Developed by AAA, AARP & the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). Offers drivers an opportunity to see how well their car “fits” them. Drivers receive information & materials for resources to help them drive safer & longer.
Why CarFit? U.S. Census Bureau determined by 2030, 1 in 5 drivers will be 65 or older. Older drivers are more likely to suffer serious injury or death due to greater fragility. Ill-fitting vehicles can be uncomfortable and unsafe to operate. Car-Fit helps drivers explore vehicle safety features & adjustments to obtain the safest fit.
CarFit Event Team of trained volunteers & health professionals work with senior driver participants. Appointments pre-arranged by participants: 15-minute fit assessment 5-minute check-out by OT Questions or concerns are brought to the attention of OT for review.
CarFit Event Senior driver participant checks-in & picks up 12-point checklist. Participant is directed to next available assessment lane. Car-Fit technician begins assessment.
CarFit 12-Point Checklist
The 12-Points Are you the only driver? Neck Mobility & Blind Spot 1) 9) Check Seat Belt Use 2) 10) Ignition System Operation Steering Wheel Tilt & 3) Position to Airbag 11) Operation Of Vehicle Controls Lights Head Restraint Position 4) Wipers Distance Between Chest & 5) Turn Signals, etc Steering Wheel 12) Driver “Honks” Their Horn Line-Of-Sight Above Steering 6) Alerts Occupational Therapist Wheel Occupational Therapist Reviews Checklist With Driver Position To Gas & Brake 7) Pedals Mirror Adjustments 8)
With A Proper Fit Driver should be able to: Buckle & unbuckle seat belt without difficulty Get into and out of vehicle with ease Sit without stiffness or pain Reach & operate vehicle controls with ease
Final Check Driver participants meet with OT to review 12-point checklist. OTs trained to evaluate & provide solutions for drivers with physical challenges. “Red Flag” issues addressed at this time. OTs may suggest: Adaptive Devices Comprehensive Driving Evaluation
Is CarFit Effective? Pilot test of the program in 10 cities, with 300+ participants in 2005 Following results showed: 37% had at least 1 critical safety issue that needed to be addressed 10% were seated too close to the steering wheel 20% did not have a line-of-sight of at least 3” above the steering wheel Majority made a change to improve the “fit” of their vehicle Many also expressed willingness to discuss driving issues with family or health care professionals
Getting Involved With CarFit Car-Fit is a program whose success depends on volunteers. Become a Technician: Attend a half-day training session. Training covers 3-parts of Car-Fit: Check-In Check-Up Check-Out Host An Event.
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