CarFit Program Highlights Safety for Seniors
Occupational therapist Elin Schold-Davis demonstrates the CarFit program for U.S. Secretary of Transportation Norman Minetta. |
"A proper fit in one's car can greatly increase not only the driver's safety but also the safety of others, said Dr. M. Carolyn Baum, president of the American Occupational Therapy Association. "The White House Conference on Aging is an important place to emphasize programs like CarFit, which can enable seniors to continue doing meaningful and enjoyable activities."
From left to right, the OTs pictured with Secretary Minetta are Leonard Trujillo, Linda Levy, Anne Dickerson, Laura Beckman, Janet Menke, and Sherri Montgomery. OT attendees not pictured: Elaine Adams and Susan Stark. |
The CarFit program is a joint venture by AOTA, the American Society on Aging, AAA Auto Club, and the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP). CarFit reviews 12 key areas of the driver's fit to the car. These criteria are important to road safety and include:
- Proper adjustment of rearview mirrors to minimize blind spots for drivers
- Correct foot positioning on the gas and brake pedals. If the driver is reaching with their toes to press on the pedals, it can cause fatigue in the leg and slow reaction times.
- Distance from the steering wheel. Sitting closer than 10 inches to the steering wheel can increase the driver's risk for serious injury.
"The great thing about CarFit is that many of these preventive measures are easy to take," added Dr. Baum." By increasing safety for senior drivers, we increase safety for everyone."
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Older Driver Safety
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