Car Fit is coming to Chattanooga to offer area senior drivers a free opportunity to check how their cars “fit” them.
Developed by AAA, AARP and the American Occupational Therapy Association partnership, Car Fit’s trained professionals take older drivers through a 12-point checklist with their vehicle, recommending minor adjustments that help make their cars “fit” better for comfort and safety. An occupational therapist is also on hand to provide information to seniors on how to maintain and strengthen driving health.
By 2030, there will be an estimated 58.9 million people age 65 and older -that's one in five people. They're expected to represent one in four licensed drivers at that time. Personal mobility is critical for healthy aging, but as bodies change as they age, ill-fitting vehicles can make it uncomfortable and unsafe to drive. Additionally, due to fragility, older drivers have the highest crash death rate per mile of everyone except teenagers. Car Fit is a tool that can work to help keep seniors safer behind the wheel, said officials.
Community partners for the event include Southeast Tennessee Area Agency on Aging and Disability, Erlanger Trauma Services, University of Tennessee Extension, City of Chattanooga Community Centers, The American Association of Retired Persons, Tennessee Highway Safety Office and Tennessee Trucking Association.
It will be held Wednesday from 9 a.m.-noon at Shepherd Community Center, 2124 Shepherd Road. The center’s phone number is 855-2697.