Designed to help older drivers find a better “fit” with their cars, the CarFit program has reached a milestone by helping more than 50,000 drivers throughout the country. Now, AAA is bringing the important safety program to Clermont county for the first time. A free, CarFit event will take place on Thursday, April 23rd from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Clermont Family YMCA located at 2075 James E. Sauls Drive in Batavia. The CarFit program was created through a partnership between AAA, AARP and the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) to help promote conversations between older drivers and their families about driving safety, maximize safe driving independence, and help seniors get a better comfort and safety fit behind the wheel.

CarFit events use a trained team, including occupational therapy practitioners, to assist older drivers with items such as:

• A clear line-of-sight over the steering wheel;

• Adequate space between the front air bag/steering wheel and the driver’s breastbone;

• Properly adjusted head restraints;

• Proper positioning on gas and brake pedals;

• Proper seat belt use and fit, and safe positioning of mirrors to minimize blind spots.

“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,” said Cheryl Parker, Corporate Public Affairs Manager, AAA. “CarFit provides older adults with the tools to understand and apply the safety features of their car.”

According to a national survey of more than 7,000 seniors, the top four “fit” challenges for older drivers included:

• Improper distance from steering wheel (59 percent);

• Adequate and safe views from side mirrors (32 percent);

• Improper seat height (28 percent) and improper head restraint height (21 percent)

The encouraging news is that after a run through the CarFit twelve-point checklist, 97 percent of participants’ issues were resolved. The CarFit event at the Clermont Family YMCA will include a complimentary preventative maintenance inspection by technicians from AAA/Bob Sumerel Tire & Service. Free refreshments will also be provided. To register for CarFit, call Mark Bryant at (513) 724-9622, Ext 3608.