For several years, NNORC has offered the CarFit program and the response has been amazing. CarFit is an educational program that offers older adults the opportunity to check how well their personal vehicles “fit” them. The program also provides information and materials on community-specific resources that could enhance their safety as drivers, and/or increase their mobility in the community.
Older drivers are more likely to wear their seatbelts, and less likely to speed or drink and drive. However, older drivers are more likely to be killed or seriously injured when a crash does occur due to the greater fragility of their aging bodies. While driver safety programs help protect older drivers by addressing cognitive abilities and skills, older drivers can also improve their safety by ensuring their cars are properly adjusted for them. A proper fit in one’s car can greatly increase not only the driver’s safety but also the well-being of others.
This fall we will once again offer CarFit. The program will take place on Thursday, October 4 from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. in the parking lot of St. Sophia’s Greek Orthodox Church (440 Whitehall Rd, Albany). Trained screeners will help you fit better in your car, with the ultimate goal of helping you reduce the potential for injuries or crashes. This program is led by Roger Dames, who serves as the Driver Fitness Center Coordinator at Colonie Senior Services.
The evaluation takes 30 minutes while you are seated in your car. The screening looks at various factors including safety belt use, steering wheel tilt, head rest setting, body positioning to air bag, line of sight over steering wheel, body positioning to accelerator and brake pedals and mirror adjustment. Appointments are required, so please call the NNORC at 518-514-2023 to make your appointment.