To help the 10,000 Americans turning 65 every day and all 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 is a national program developed by AARP and the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) which is designed to give a quick, yet comprehensive check on how well an older driver and their vehicle fit 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. CarFit provides adults with the tools to understand and apply the safety features of their car.
We invite you to join us to at the next CarFit event being held on:
May 6th 2025 at Faith Lutheran Church ~ 905 Hiawatha Dr. E Wabasha, MN 55981 from 1:30pm – 4:30pm
At a CarFit event, trained volunteers complete a 12-point checklist with each driver. Among the items checked:
• A clear line-of-sight over the steering wheel;
• Adequate space between the front air bag/steering wheel and the driver’s breastbone; properly adjusted head restraints;
• Proper positioning on gas and brake pedals;
• Proper seat belt use and fit, and safe positioning of mirrors to minimize blind spots.
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. Driving today is more difficult than ever because of increased traffic congestion, longer commute distances, new technology and faster speeds. All drivers can take important measures to mitigate the stress associated with driving.
Older drivers can also check the AARP website at www.aarp.org/findacourse 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.
You can attend our event listed above by calling and registering for a time slot so that you can have a trained technician can you get car fitted appropriately.
To register, please call:
Wabasha County Public Health at 651-565-5200
