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Home > News
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| Friday, December 03, 2010
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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 a free 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. “One way for seniors to reduce their likelihood of having a crash, or to reduce the potential for serious injury, is to make sure their car fits them properly. CarFit has been well received by those who have participated in it, and we look forward to continue offering this service to our seniors.”
Older drivers, as a group, are fairly good drivers—up to about age 75, he notes. At that point, national AARP statistics reveal there’s a marked increase in crashes among older drivers, almost equal to the number of crashes among drivers ages 16-24. But the death rate among older drivers is four to five times higher because the aging process makes their bodies less able to recover from injuries sustained in a crash, Upton notes.
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.
RMH will host a CarFit Event as part of the “Aging Gracefully Conference” on May 17, 2011, and as part of an AARP Safe Driving Course in April. Community members who would like an evaluation or more information may call RMH Rehab Services at Bridgewater Retirement Community (540) 828-7115.
For more information, visit:
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