Senior Mobility Coalition Launches CarFit Pilot Program in Grand Rapids

WHAT: A first-of-its-kind program for older drivers developed through collaboration between the American Society on Aging, AAA, AARP and the American Occupational Therapy Association. CarFit is designed to help drivers check how well their vehicle "fits" their physiology and their driving habits. The Grand Rapids pilot is one of only 10 in the nation.

Trained professionals will lead drivers through a 15-minute, 12-point checklist with their vehicles, recommending adjustments and adaptations and offering community specific resources and activities that can make their cars "fit" better and enhance safety. Driver rehabilitation specialists will be on hand to provide in-depth information on how to better adapt a vehicle to an individual driving profile.

The names of participants in the CarFit pilot program will not be made public.

WHY: People over 65 are the fastest-growing population segment in the U.S. By 2030, one in five drivers will be age 65 or older, which means there will be more than 30 million older drivers on U.S. roads. The coalition goal is to keep seniors driving safely for as long as possible.

WHO: AAA Michigan, AARP and Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital are looking for licensed drivers, 65 and older, to take part in this CarFit pilot. Please arrive in the vehicle you normally drive.

WHEN: Friday, May 20, 2005 between 10:00 a.m. & 3:00 p.m. (Call for appointment)

WHERE: AAA Michigan Grand Rapids North branch office, 4650 Plainfield, NE (north of 5 Mile Rd.), Grand Rapids