To assist older drivers with making safety a personal priority, Forsyth AARP Chapter # 1797, in partnership with the Gerontology Program at Winston-Salem State University will sponsor a CarFit© event.
The Forsyth AARP Chapter # 1797 Carfit© Assessment Team will conduct assessments. Faculty and students in the Gerontology Program at Winston-Salem State University, and retired faculty, alumni and community professionals who are members of the Gerontology Club and Sigma Phi Omega Academic Honor and Professional Society in Gerontology, will serve as Assessment Team members. Carl Miller and Steve Danner are Co- Chairpersons for Carfit© and other Special Projects for Forsyth AARP Chapter # 1797.
The number of older drivers is rapidly increasing. The U.S. Census Bureau has estimated that by the year 2030, more than one in five; 30 plus million drivers will be age 65 or older. Because of an increase in traffic, larger vehicles and faster speed limits, roadways are being adapted to meet these demands. Therefore, mature drivers will encounter more stress just attempting to negotiate the changes and fast pace of getting from one destination to another. Additionally, as we age, we are faced with many challenges such as changes in flexibility, range of motion, strength and vision.
Carfit© was developed through collaboration among the American Society on Aging, AARP, the American Occupational Therapy Association and AAA (American Automobile Association) to help mature drivers find their perfect fit. CarFit© is a program designed to provide a quick, yet thorough assessment to determine how well you and your vehicle work together. Drivers will complete a 12 point CarFit© checklist, (driver and vehicle) assisted by a trained professional. The assessment will last approximately 20 minutes and will include the following checkpoints: steering wheel; airbag; seating; headrests; gas pedal; brake pedal; seat belt position; mirrors and other assessments. Upon completion of the assessment, the driver will be given recommendations for adjustments/adaptations, and a list of community resources if needed, to make the necessary adjustments and put the driver at ease.
The event will be held on Tuesday, April 9, 2013 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Senior Services located at 2895 Shorefair Drive, Winston-Salem, NC.
Mature drivers, age 50 and older are invited to take advantage of this safety assessment at no cost.
Space is limited to 30 drivers by Reservation ONLY.
For additional information and to make a reservation, please call Bonnie Carter at 768- 2662. The reservation deadline is 5:00 PM on Tuesday, April 2, 2013.
