News
Senior Driving Program
More Confidence & Saftey
Ageing affects our driving. Our programmes are designed to helpsenior drivers keep up-to-date with the road rules, be more comfortable and safe in your cars and know the alternative options for when it is safer to stop driving. These programs are popular and get excellent feedback.
Hanging up the Car Keys
Jan has had her driver license like many in her age group since she was 15 – that is over 60 years of driving. I asked her what her first thoughts were if there came a time where she would need to give up driving. “She said she would shudder to think”
“My whole life would change if I couldn’t drive. I may become more reclusive. Many of my friends would be in the same boat. Being able to drive means that I can do, what I want, when I want to do it!” Lois has been exploring alternatives to driving and has been preparing for a while now.
Older Drivers – Improve Your Safety!
Do you know about the safety features of your car?
Older drivers can improve their safety by ensuring their cars are properly adjusted for them. A proper fit in your car can greatly increase your own safety and comfort and the safety of friends and family who may be your passengers.
Take the opportunity of a CarFit Check-Up! It is FREE! A CarFit check-Up takes about 15 – 20 minutes. An occupational therapist is on hand to recommend devices, like a swivel seat for a person who has trouble turning his or her body or a “handybar” that allows you to get in and out of the car with ease.
Register for our next CarFit event. Phone Age Concern Whanganui 345 1799.
CarFit-more dates available soon
CarFit – Ill fitting vehicles can make driving uncomfortable and unsafe…
What kinds of adjustments are part of the CarFit checklist?
- Clear line of sight over the steering wheel
- Plenty of room between driver’s chest and the front airbag and steering wheel
- Driver’s seat that fits comfortably and safely – giving easy access to controls
- Properly adjusted headrests
- Easy access to brake pedals
- Seatbelt adjustment that holds the driver in position and comfortable for driving
Aims - CarFit can make drivers more comfortable and safe
- CarFit can make drivers more comfortable and safe
How long does a CheckUp take?
About 15 – 20 minutes
Why was CarFit developed?
CarFit was created by the American Society of Aging and developed in collaboration with
the AAA (American Automobile Association), AARP, and the American Occupational
Therapy Association (AOTA).
Based on follow-up surveys of checklists completed at events held in 10 American cities,
more than a third (37 percent) of program participants had at least one critical safety
the issue that was addressed.
One in 10 participants was seated too close to the steering wheel, and about 20 percent
did not have a proper line of sight above the steering wheel.
