Group helps seniors drive more safely

Driving isn’t just about appearances or comfort, it’s also about safety. It stands to reason then that you should have the right fit behind the wheel of your car.

That is why a national organization called CarFit offers free events to help older drivers find a better driving position, adjust mirrors properly and make other changes to be more comfortable and safer behind the wheel.

“One of the key things we look at is reducing blind spots by changing the ways seniors use their side mirrors and their (inside) mirror,” said Beth Mosher, a spokeswoman for AAA Chicago and a certified CarFit technician who has worked at fitting events. “Mirror position is the biggest change for most people who come through the program.”

CarFit, which started in 2005, is sponsored by AAA, AARP and the American Occupational Therapy Association.

Technicians go through a checklist of about 20 items with drivers in about 20 to 25 minutes. Among the items are if the seat position allows them to reach the pedal, if the driver is at least 10 inches from the steering wheel, if they can fasten the seatbelt without assistance, how easily they get in and out of the car, and how mirrors are adjusted.

Though older drivers are among the safest as a group, they are most likely to have physical limitations that affect their driving.

Occupational therapists are on hand to recommend adaptive equipment, such as grab handles that make it easier to get in and out, or pedal extenders for drivers who need more extreme adjustments.

More information is available at car-fit.org.