Does your car fit you? What is CarFit An educational program: - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Does your car “fit” you?

What is CarFit An educational program:  Provides quick, comprehensive review of how drivers and their cars work together.  Developed by AAA, AARP & the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA).  Offers drivers an opportunity to see how well their car “fits” them.  Drivers receive information & materials for resources to help them drive safer & longer.

Why CarFit?  U.S. Census Bureau determined by 2030, 1 in 5 drivers will be 65 or older.  Older drivers are more likely to suffer serious injury or death due to greater fragility.  Ill-fitting vehicles can be uncomfortable and unsafe to operate.  Car-Fit helps drivers explore vehicle safety features & adjustments to obtain the safest fit.

CarFit Event  Team of trained volunteers & health professionals work with senior driver participants.  Appointments pre-arranged by participants:  15-minute fit assessment  5-minute check-out by OT  Questions or concerns are brought to the attention of OT for review.

CarFit Event  Senior driver participant checks-in & picks up 12-point checklist.  Participant is directed to next available assessment lane.  Car-Fit technician begins assessment.

CarFit 12-Point Checklist

The 12-Points Are you the only driver? Neck Mobility & Blind Spot 1) 9) Check Seat Belt Use 2) 10) Ignition System Operation Steering Wheel Tilt & 3) Position to Airbag 11) Operation Of Vehicle Controls  Lights Head Restraint Position 4)  Wipers Distance Between Chest & 5)  Turn Signals, etc Steering Wheel 12) Driver “Honks” Their Horn Line-Of-Sight Above Steering 6)  Alerts Occupational Therapist Wheel  Occupational Therapist Reviews Checklist With Driver Position To Gas & Brake 7) Pedals Mirror Adjustments 8)

With A Proper Fit Driver should be able to: Buckle & unbuckle seat  belt without difficulty Get into and out of  vehicle with ease Sit without stiffness or  pain Reach & operate vehicle  controls with ease

Final Check  Driver participants meet with OT to review 12-point checklist.  OTs trained to evaluate & provide solutions for drivers with physical challenges.  “Red Flag” issues addressed at this time.  OTs may suggest:  Adaptive Devices  Comprehensive Driving Evaluation

Is CarFit Effective?  Pilot test of the program in 10 cities, with 300+ participants in 2005  Following results showed:  37% had at least 1 critical safety issue that needed to be addressed  10% were seated too close to the steering wheel  20% did not have a line-of-sight of at least 3” above the steering wheel  Majority made a change to improve the “fit” of their vehicle  Many also expressed willingness to discuss driving issues with family or health care professionals

Getting Involved With CarFit  Car-Fit is a program whose success depends on volunteers.  Become a Technician:  Attend a half-day training session.  Training covers 3-parts of Car-Fit:  Check-In  Check-Up  Check-Out  Host An Event.

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