Car Safety Program for Senior Drivers

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Essentia Health teams up with Triple–A to help seniors stay safe when they’re driving.

“I just want to make darn sure that I’m doing the best I can for my age,” says Fargo Resident Jim Dixon.

91–year–old Jim Dixon registered when he received a letter about CarFit in the mail.

“(CarFit) is a program that we offer senior citizens to allow them to stay safe, driving as safe as possible,” says AAA Spokesman Gene LaDoucer.

Seniors pulled into the parking lot.

A trained technician welcomes them.

Clipboard at hand.

Checklist set.

Drivers ready to get fitted…”fit” to their car, that is.

A proper fit will make it safe for senior drivers to feel comfortable and more in control on the road.

There’s a 12 point checklist they go through to ensure the driver’s safety and safety of others.

“So we look at such things like their head rest. Whether they’re positioned right, how they’re positioned in their seat. Whether or not they’re using their seat beats, if it’s positioned properly,” says LaDoucer.

One of the most important checklist items is to make sure there’s at least ten inches from you and the airbag.

This is the proper length for a clear margin of safety.

The checklist also goes over the vehicle adjustments and tests the driver’s ability to assess their driving environment.

“Well, he confirmed that my position for driving is correct. And that mirror over there was adjusted properly,” says Dixon.

Dixon did have to make a few mirror adjustments to make sure his blind spots are covered.

A few simple adjustments that are not only life changing but can be life–saving.

The event is free if you’re over 65 years old.

If you missed CarFit, you can contact  AAA to set up an appointment for a later date.