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Elder Drivers, How Well Does Your Vehicle Fit?
September 12, 2013 | Category: Automobile Accidents | Share
The nation's population is aging. As it ages, the number of elder drivers on the road is increasing. CarFit™ was created by AAA (the American Automobile Association), AARP, and the American Occupational Therapy Association, to assist these elder drivers in determining how well they fit their vehicles so they may take action to improve their fit.
CarFit™ reviews 12 key areas of a driver's "fit" in their personal vehicles. Some of these include:
- Knowing how to properly adjust side mirrors to minimize blind spots when changing lanes.
- Positioning feet properly on the gas and brake pedals to prevent foot fatigue and slower reaction times.
- Sitting further away from the steering wheel than 10 inches to prevent the risk of injury.
What is the effectiveness of CarFit™?
According to their website, in the spring of 2005 CarFit™ conducted pilot tests in 10 U.S. cities with more than 300 older drivers. Based on their findings and survey results:
- 37% had at least one safety issued addressed.
- 10% were seated too close to the steering wheel.
- 20% did not have a line of sight over the steering wheel of at least 3 inches.
Participation in CarFit™ events is voluntary and confidential. The CarFit™ staff will only recommend changes, not change participants' vehicles.
Southwest Florida Accident Attorney, Randall Spivey of Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. says, "According to statistics, Florida's elderly are good drivers. However, I recommend drivers take advantage of the CarFit™ events scheduled in our area. This will not only improve driver safety, but the safety of others as well."
Below is a list of area events (Please click on the date and time for more complete information.):
|
Date & Time |
Location |
|
September 24, 2013 - 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. |
Lehigh Acres, FL |
|
October 22, 2013 - 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. |
Lehigh Acres, FL |
|
October 24, 2013 - 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. |
North Fort Myers, FL |
|
November 18, 2013 - 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. |
Lehigh Acres, FL |
Personal Injury Attorney, Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Civil Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just 1 percent of Florida attorneys. He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida. For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at 239. 337.7483 or toll free at 1.888.477.4839, or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com. Visit SpiveyLaw.com for more information. You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County 239.793.7748.