Clarke County Hospital is sponsoring a free safety inspection by CarFit experts 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 3 at Osceola United Methodist Church.
The program is designed to ensure older drivers “fit” their vehicle properly for maximum comfort and safety. Each inspection takes 20 minutes and is performed by trained technicians and health professionals.
Any licensed driver over the age of 65 is considered an older driver, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. While 77 percent of these drivers, compared to 63 percent of drivers age 18-64, were wearing a seat belt at the time of a crash, the older driver population is much more prone to serious injury.
“The Carfit event is a great way to help older adults make sure that their vehicles are adjusted properly for safety and comfort,” said Kristi Huenemann, occupational therapist, of Clarke County Hospital. “We will look at proper mirror adjustment to minimize blind spots, seat belt positioning, and proper seat height as well as a variety of other items on a 12 point checklist. The goal for this event is to increase awareness of how to adjust your vehicle, including education on what features or equipment are available, to achieve your best fit for safe driving.”
Those interested in the CarFit program should RSVP with Kristi from Clarke County Hospital at 641-342-5458. For more information on the CarFit program, visit the website at www.car-fit.org.