JUNE 17, 2009

Secretary Land, partners team up to help mature drivers

Your car should be a good fit for you. That's the word from Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land, AAA Michigan and AARP.

Because of that, the Department of State has teamed up with AAA Michigan and AARP to promote CarFit, a traffic safety program for mature drivers offered at various locations across the state.

"Drivers who have their vehicle's controls set to their personal specifications are safer drivers," said Land. "CarFit helps drivers determine how their car can best fit them. I encourage seniors to take advantage of this free program."

"Although seniors are often the safest drivers in that they are more likely to wear their seat belts, and less likely to speed or drink and drive, age-related fragility makes them more likely to be injured when a crash does occur," said Jack Peet, Community Safety Services manager for AAA Michigan. "Older Americans need to take extra care to ensure that their cars are properly adjusted for them."

Trained professionals help drivers adjust their vehicle's controls, mirrors, seats and other components to best fit their height and size. They also offer community-specific resources and activities to enhance driver safety.

"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 Larry Meeusen, state coordinator for the AARP Driver Safety Program in Michigan. "CarFit gives older adults the tools to help them stay on today's roads safely and to stay connected to their communities for as long as possible."

To qualify, you must be a licensed driver at least 65 years old and own a registered vehicle. Call AAA Community Safety Services at (800) 646-4222 to schedule an appointment.

Evaluations will be offered on the following dates:

• June 25 at the Meridian Senior Center, 4000 N. Okemos Road, Okemos
• July 15 at Traverse Bay Area Intermediate School District Career-Tech Center in Traverse City
• July 21 at Baker College, 1903 Marquette Ave., Muskegon
• July 29 at Grand Rapids City High School, 1400 Fuller N.E., Grand Rapids

Additional events will be held statewide throughout the summer and fall.

CarFit was developed through collaboration among the American Occupational Therapy Association, AAA and AARP.

Related Link
http://www.car-fit.org/