MTC members become “car fit” technicians
On May 13th, many 31 members of the Michigan Trauma Coalition from a variety of hospitals across the state became car fit technicians. On May 14th, they assisted Karen from AARP and hosted an event where 83 individuals came in to have their vehicles evaluated for proper fit.
CarFit is an educational program that offers older adults the opportunity to check how well their personal vehicles “fit” them. 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. (Source: NHTSA)
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
The CarFit program also provides information and materials on community-specific resources that could enhance their safety as drivers, and/or increase their mobility in the community.
