(MISSION VIEJO, Sept. 2, 2011) — The Automobile Club of Southern California will partner with the Norman P. Murray Community & Senior Center to host a CarFit event for older drivers at the senior center on Friday, Sept. 23.
CarFit helps senior drivers over age 65 learn about how the effects of aging change the way they fit in their vehicle and how their driving can be affected. A CarFit consists of a 12-point., 20-minute checklist on the driver and the car, which includes a safety-belt, foot pedals, vision and mirrors adjustment to ensure that drivers are in a safe driving position. CarFit also offers resources in the community so seniors know where they can go for further evaluation regarding exercise, nutrition and use of adaptive devices for safe, independent driving.
The CarFit event will be held from 9 a.m. to noon. at the center, 24932 Veterans Way, 92692. Advance appointments scheduled every 20 minutes can be made by calling the senior center, 949-470-3062. Driving specialists, educators, health care professionals and traffic safety specialists will provide the CarFits.
“The Auto Club believes that people should be able to keep driving as long as they want to – if they can do so safely,” said Anita Lorz, manger of traffic safety and community affairs.
Lorz noted that age affects vision, flexibility, and strength, range of motion and even size and height. “Unless seniors make adjustments, those changes may make older drivers less comfortable and reduce control behind the wheel. CarFit gives older adults the tools to help them stay on the road safely,” Lorz added.
CarFit was developed by the American Society on Aging in partnership with AAA, AARP and the American Occupational Therapy Assoc. For more information about other CarFit events, visit car-fit.org.
The number of seniors in California is growing rapidly and the state has more adults over age 65 than any other. “By 2030 there will be more than 30 million older drivers on U.S. roads,” said Lorz.