MAY 7, 2007

Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land
and AAA Michigan are asking
older motorists if their car
is a "good fit" for them.

The question is at the center of CarFit, a four-month traffic safety campaign that begins May 11 and is offered at no cost to state residents. The goal is to educate mature drivers on how to properly adjust their vehicle's controls, mirrors, seats and other components for their height and size. Trained event coordinators and health professionals also provide traffic safety information on such topics as driving-related health issues, adaptive equipment, driver improvement courses and alternative transportation.

"We want all motorists to drive safely for as long as possible, and this free program is a valuable tool that could make a lifesaving difference," Land said. "CarFit is the first program of its kind to offer older adults a chance to see how well their vehicle fits them. Proper training, information and equipment are important keys to helping mature drivers maintain their independence and safety on the road."

"In our CarFit pilot program last year, we found a strong need for this kind of evaluation," added Jack Peet, AAA Michigan Community Safety Services manager. "Although seniors are often the safest drivers - more likely to wear seat belts and less likely to drink or speed - their age-related fragility makes them more likely to be injured when a crash does occur. Older drivers need to take care to ensure that their vehicles are properly adjusted for them."

The campaign opens at the Plainfield Avenue AAA office in Grand Rapids. Additional CarFit events are scheduled almost weekly across Michigan at AAA offices in Alpena, Ann Arbor, Flint, Marquette, Southeast Michigan and Traverse City. It ends Sept. 28 in Southgate.

Secretary of State branch offices near CarFit exam sites will provide printed materials and a schedule of events. In addition, a list of CarFit dates, times and sites is available on the department's Web site at www.Michigan.gov/sos.

To qualify, you must be a licensed driver at least 65 years old and own a registered vehicle. Call AAA Community Safety Services at (800) 646-4222 to schedule an appointment.

During a CarFit exam, trained professionals will lead you through a 15-minute,

12-point checklist with your vehicle, recommend vehicle adjustments or adaptations and offer suggestions that could make your vehicle "fit" better and enhance your safety. Occupational therapists will provide information on how to better adapt your vehicle to your driving profile. No personal information is shared with anyone outside of the CarFit evaluation staff.

By 2030, one in five motorists will be age 65 or older, which means there will be more than 30 million older drivers on U.S. roads.

CarFit was developed through collaboration among the American Occupational Therapy Association, AAA and AARP.

For more information, visit the department's Web site at www.Michigan.gov/sos.

Related Links
> 2007 CarFit Schedule (PDF)
> CarFit Brochure (PDF)