Butler County senior drivers get ‘CarFit’


When it comes to CarFit, participant data shows the top four “fit” challenges older driver face include:

• Improper distance from the steering wheel (59 percent)

• Inadequate and unsafe views from side mirrors (32 percent)

• Improper seat height (28 percent)

• Improper head restraint height (21 percent)

Source: AAA

Several older drivers turned out Friday morning at the Hamilton AAA to have their “fit” levels checked behind the wheel.

The agency partnered with Partners in Prime to host a free senior driver safety program called CarFit as trained volunteers helped senior drivers complete a 12-point checklist designed to help them better operate their vehicle.

Seniors, ages 65 and older, are the fastest growing age group in the United States, and are more mobile than ever before, according to AAA. To help these drivers fit safely and comfortably in their vehicles, AAA has been holding CarFit events for the past 20 years in 38 counties around the state, according to Mary Lou Gallimore, traffic safety program manager for AAA Ohio Auto Club.

“We go to different locations and make sure older drivers are a good fit for their car,” Gallimore said. “This club goes to about 38 counties and the feedback is very good from the people who have gone through it. There is no pressure or no charge and it just helps our senior drivers get a good fit with their vehicle.”

She added that older drivers are often safer drivers because they are more likely to wear their seatbelts, and less likely to speed or drink and drive, but driver safety programs can help improve adult driver safety by addressing cognitive abilities and skills.

“As we age, changes in our vision, flexibility, strength, range of motion and even size and height may make us less comfortable and reduce our control behind the wheel,” Gallimore said. “CarFit provides older adults with the tools to understand and apply the safety features of their car.”

CarFit is a national program developed by AAA, AARP and the American Occupational Therapy Association and is designed to give a quick, yet comprehensive check on how well an older driver and their vehicle work together.

On Friday, Charles Bowers of Oxford was one of several drivers who showed up to participate in the program. Trainers helped him determine the proper distance from his steering wheel, how all of his controls worked, along with proper seat and head restraint height.

“This was really helpful going through the program,” Bowers said. “You learn a lot from it.”

Lorraine Espel, of Hamilton AAA, was out in the parking lot observing drivers. She said the CarFit program has been well received and drivers often ask about getting involved with more driver safety programs.

“We are trying to create and encourage car fit awareness for our senior drivers,” Espel said. “There are other driver improvement programs for mature programs that are available from AAA.”

Bradley Ludlow and Roseanne Diosi were busy most of the morning and early afternoon putting drivers through the CarFit test. Diosi said some of the drivers were looking at accessories that were available to help with posture in the vehicle or helping mature drivers get in and out of their care.

Ludlow said that drivers were very focused on making the adjustments recommended to allow them to become “more fit” in their cars.

“It is critically important that mature drivers make safety a personal priority,” Gallimore said. “Driving today is more difficult than ever because of increased traffic congestion, longer commute distances, new technology and faster speeds. Older drivers can take important measures to mitigate the stress associated with driving.”

For more information about driving programs for mature drivers or CarFit, call 513-863-3200.

About the Author