USD Occupational Therapy to Help Senior Drivers Ensure Car Safety Through CarFit
CarFit is a national program developed by AAA, the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) and the American Occupational Therapy Association. CarFit is designed to help senior drivers find a better “fit” with their cars for comfort and safety and give a quick yet comprehensive check on how well a senior driver and their vehicle work together.
“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, OTD, assistant professor in the Department of Occupational Therapy at USD. “CarFit provides senior adults with the tools to understand and apply the safety features of their car.”
At the CarFit event, trained volunteers complete a 12-point checklist with each driver. Items checked include the following.
- Correct position of driver's seat
- Driver's ability to easily reach pedals
- Proper adjustment of mirrors
“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. Senior drivers can take important measures to mitigate the stress associated with driving.”
Senior drivers can also check with their local AAA club or AARP office to take a driver safety refresher course 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 senior drivers to ensure their personal vehicles are adjusted to their needs.
Contact AAA Yankton at 605-444-2764 or [email protected] to make a CarFit appointment.
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