Note Time Change: How Does Your Personal Vehicle Fit?

--AAA Minnesota/Iowa:

WHAT: Come witness the launch of this first-of-its-kind program that could make a lifesaving difference to both older drivers and their loved ones. Developed by the American Society on Aging, and in collaboration with AAA, AARP and the American Occupational Therapy Association, CarFit is the first program to offer older adults the opportunity to check how their personal vehicles “fit” them.

Trained professionals will lead senior drivers through a 12-point checklist with their vehicle, recommend personal vehicle adjustments and adaptations and offer community specific resources and activities that could make their personal vehicles “fit” better or enhance their safety. An occupational therapist also will be on hand to provide information to older drivers on how to maintain and strengthen driving health.

Reporters will be able to interview senior mobility experts, older drivers, and shoot footage of this first-of-its-kind event.

WHY: People over 65 are the fastest-growing population in the United States. By 2030, one in five drivers will be age 65 or older, which means there will be more than 30 million older drivers on our roads. They also are driving more miles and for more years. Improving their fit in the personal vehicle can help make them safer on the roads.

WHO: Sponsoring/Participating Organizations: AAA Clubs of Minnesota

WHEN: 9 am-11 am, Friday, September 29, 2006

WHERE: AAA Minnesota/Iowa, 600 West Travelers Trail, Burnsville, MN

CONTACT: Gail Weinholzer, 952-707-4985 (w), 651-338-7582 (cell) Dawn Duffy, 952-927-2671 (w), 952-994-0350 (cell)

AAA offers automotive, travel, insurance and financial services to more than 49 million members in the United States and Canada. AAA Minnesota/Iowa is part of The Auto Club Group, with 4.1 million members in eight Midwest states.

AAA News releases are available from http://www.aaa.com/news