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Home > News
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| Monday, December 07, 2009
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Contact: Debra Thompson
Director, RMH Corporate Communications
540-564-5886
During Older Driver Safety Awareness Week, RMH Rehab Services encourage older drivers to take an active role in maintaining their ability to drive safely by participating in the CarFit program offered through RMH Rehab Services.
CarFit is an educational program that offers older adults the opportunity to check how well their personal vehicles “fit” them. As part of this program, developed by the American Association of Aging in collaboration with the AAA, AARP and American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), a trained technician assesses seat/belt and mirror adjustment, positions operating controls and checks general physical abilities needed for safe driving. A CarFit technician may make suggestions for increased safety, including the possibility for a more in-depth driving evaluation if necessary.
“With increasing age come changes in physical, mental and sensory abilities that can challenge a person’s continued ability to drive safely,” said Clark Upton, CarFit coordinator, RMH Rehab Services. “CarFit has been well received by those who have participated in it, and we look forward to continue offering this service to our seniors. Proper fit in one’s car can greatly increase not only the driver's safety but also the safety of others in our community.”
Older driver safety is a growing issue in the United States as the large population of baby boomers has reached retirement age, Upton noted. The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that by the year 2030, one of every five drivers will be age 65 or older.
RMH Rehab Services has offered CarFit to the community since 2006. The staff reminds community members to keep open communication with seniors and help prepare them for a time when they may not be able to drive safely by exploring other options for community mobility.
More information on CarFit will be available at upcoming RMH Senior Advantage events, including those scheduled for 1 p.m. Feb. 1, 2010, at the RMH Atrium, and 10 a.m., Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2010, in Timberville at the Plains District Community Center.
For more information on older driver awareness, visit http://www.aota.org/Older-Driver/Awareness.aspx.
For more information on CarFit through RMH Rehab Services, call 540-828-7115.
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