USD Occupational Therapy Department to Facilitate Event to Help Improve Comfort and Safety 'Fit' for Senior Drivers
To help senior drivers find a better “fit” with their cars for comfort and safety, mobility experts are hosting a safety program designed to help older drivers and their families. CarFit, a national program developed by AAA, AARP and the American Occupational Therapy Association, is designed to give a quick, yet comprehensive check on how well an older driver and their vehicle work together.
USD's Department of Occupational Therapy will conduct CarFit check-ups in Hawarden, Iowa, on Sept. 7 and in Vermillion on Thursday, Sept. 19.
“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 Mackenzie Feldhacker, occupational therapist and faculty member in the Department of Occupational Therapy at USD. “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 on hand also to provide a consultation, if needed, that 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 Feldhacker. “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.
The CarFit events will be held in Hawarden, Iowa, at Hawarden Regional Healthcare on Saturday, Sept. 7 and in Vermillion, South Dakota, at the DakotaDome on Thursday, Sept. 19. To register, please email Mackenzie Feldhacker at Mackenzie.Feldhacker@usd.edu.
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