Public transportation can be limited in the Midwest, this leads many to drive, but doesn’t guarantee that most everyone knows how they should drive. Jeanne Sowers, occupational therapy program director at Indiana State, hopes to shed some light on that subject through the event she is coordinating called CarFit.
CarFit is an educational program created by the American Society on Aging in collaboration with AAA (American Automobile Association), AARP and the American Occupational Therapy Association. It is directed primarily toward the safety of drivers over the age of 65. Although this demographic of drivers may be more likely to wear their seatbelts and abide by traffic safety laws, they may not always be the most “well-adjusted” within their vehicles.
During an event, trained CarFit technicians will take measurements of an individual in their car to make sure they “fit” properly. After the 20-minute assessment, technicians will make recommendations if needed.
Over one-third of the older adults who have participated in a CarFit event show at least one critical safety issue that needs addressing within their driving routines. Issues like the seat being too far away from the steering wheel, mirrors not being adjusted for blind spots or bad foot positioning for the gas pedal are all common occurrences.
“It’s really important that [the community knows] that this is not an assessment to get [older drivers] off the road,” Sowers said. “This is only to help them prolong their driving in a safe manner.”
Sowers was trained over a year ago in becoming a CarFit Event Coordinator which allows her to host an event in the community and educate older drivers on behind the wheel safety precautions. She also gained the proper techniques for training CarFit technicians which she will implement by instructing her occupational therapy students over the next couple of weeks so that they can participate in the event.
“[This is a] really good public service, we’d like to have as many people participate as possible,” Sowers said “It’s a good learning experience for our students, but its also great for the community.”
CarFit will take place Oct. 10 from 8 a.m. – noon at the Landsbaum Center parking lot on the southside of Union Hospital. The event is free and open to the public.
For those who want to participate, schedule an appointment by calling 812-237-8232.
In addition to the event, AAA will offer a free safe driving from 8-10 a.m. and another from 10 a.m.-noon inside of the Landsbaum Center. Participants will receive certificates for attending which some insurance companies will accept in order to decrease car insurance costs.
Contact: Jeanne Sowers, director of occupational therapy program, Indiana State University, 812-237-8232 or jeanne.sowers@indstate.edu
Writer: Sadie All, media relations student assistant, Indiana State University, 812-237-3773 or sall@sycamores.indstate.edu