Seniors: Does Your Car Fit You?

Ruth Haley, 81, who lives at The Montclair independent living facility in Springfield, has been driving since 1949. She recently purchased a new vehicle and wondered if her seat was positioned far enough away from the steering wheel to be safe.

She attended a CarFit check in May at The Montclair and learned that she should have 12 inches between the steering wheel and her chest.

“As we get older, it’s important to do whatever we can to remain safe on the road,” says Haley, a volunteer for St. John’s. “I feel better now that I know I checked out OK.”

CarFit is a new educational program developed by the American Society on Aging in partnership with AAA, AARP, and the American Occupational Therapy Association. CarFit helps seniors learn how the effects of aging change the way they fit in their vehicle, how their driving can be affected and suggests ways to correct for the changes, according to AAA.

Age affects vision, flexibility, strength, range of motion and even size and height. These changes can make older drivers less comfortable and reduce control behind the wheel.

St. John’s Occupational Therapist Melinda Smithwick (pictured with Haley above) is trained in the CarFit program and participated in the May check.

“While older drivers tend to be more conscientious and cautious on the road than younger drivers, they do tend to have more limitations,” Smithwick says. “But there are several ways we can adapt vehicles to compensate for these limitations, such as a wedge cushion for the seat, an easy-reach handle for the seatbelt, a swivel seat or handy-bar to help them get out of their seat easier, a leg lifter and key holders.”

At CarFit events, trained volunteers conduct quick but comprehensive checks of how safely older adults and their cars work together. Drivers bring their vehicles to designated sites, where a trained staff member or volunteer asks each driver a series of simple questions and completes a 12-point checklist checking the driver and the vehicle.

The entire process takes about 15 minutes. The driver leaves with recommended car adjustments and adaptations, a list of resources such as local occupational therapy and driver-safety courses, and peace of mind.

Seniors are often sensitive about their driving ability and many see a direct correlation between driving and their independence, says St. Johns’ Seniors Coordinator Valerie Griffin.
“We try to provide older adults with as much insight as possible when it comes to their driving ability and possible deficits,” Smithwick says. “The CarFit program has no tests and our findings are confidential … it’s strictly a voluntary program.”

While CarFit is aimed at the rapidly growing population of older drivers, its tips can help all drivers. Below are factors to consider to ensure a “good fit” between you and your vehicle:

• You should have a clear line of sight over the steering wheel. You should be able to see at least three inches above the wheel.
• Make sure you have plenty of room between your breastbone (or chest band) and the front airbag and steering wheel. The ideal distance is at least 10 to 12 inches. This will help reduce injuries should the airbag deploy in an accident.
• Does your seat fit you comfortably and safely? You should be able to adjust the seat easily for good visibility and safe access to controls.
• Adjust your headrests properly. This can help prevent neck injury. The center of the headrest should be against the back of your head, not against your neck.
• Can you easily access the gas and brake pedals? You should be able to reach the pedals without having to stretch too far, and you should be able to completely depress the brake pedal. You should also be able to move your foot easily from the gas to the brake.
• Make sure your seat belt holds you in the proper position and remains comfortable as you drive. The lower part of the belt should go across your hips, and the shoulder harness should go across your rib cage and not be under your arm.
• You also should be able to reach the shoulder harness and buckle and unbuckle the seat belt without difficulty.
• Can you get into and out of your vehicle easily?
• Can you turn your head to look over your shoulder when you change lanes.
• Can you sit as comfortably as you can, without knee, back, hip, neck or shoulder stiffness or pain?
• Do you know how to adjust mirrors properly or have the flexibility to use mirrors?

If you are interested in having your vehicle checked by CarFit program, please call Safety Council of the Ozarks at 417-869-2121.