Experts will adjust cars to ensure safety for senior drivers
By AAA of Western and Central New York
AAA Western and Central New York is teaming up with Erie Community College's occupational therapy assistant program along with other occupational therapy clinicians to ensure senior drivers' cars "fit" them. The event, being held at ECC on Monday, May 21, is designed to improve older drivers' safety by ensuring their cars are properly adjusted specifically to them.
The program is designed to help older drivers find out how well they currently fit their personal vehicle, to highlight actions they can take to improve their fit, and to promote conversations about driver safety and community mobility. A proper fit in one's personal vehicle can greatly increase not only the driver's safety, but also the safety of others.
The event will take place from 10-11:30 a.m. at the ECC North Campus. Enter from Wehrle Drive onto Element Drive, event in Parking Lot 8
A team of trained technicians from AAA, ECC OTA students and health professionals will work with each participant individually to ensure they "fit" their vehicle properly for maximum comfort and safety. A CarFit check takes approximately 20 minutes to complete.
Older drivers are often the safest drivers in that they are more likely to wear their seatbelts, and less likely to speed or drink and drive. However, older drivers are more likely to be killed or seriously injured when a crash does occur due to the greater fragility of their aging bodies.
Driver safety programs improve adult driver safety by addressing cognitive abilities and skills, however, older drivers can also improve their safety by ensuring their cars are properly adjusted for them. A proper fit in one's car can greatly increase not only the driver's safety, but also the safety of others.
Interested drivers must register to secure a spot. They can do so by emailing
[email protected] or calling 716-851-1318.
