UF to offer free vehicle checks for older drivers

November 5, 2010

WHAT: The University of Florida department of occupational therapy will offer CarFit, a free national program to help older drivers fit more comfortably and safely in their vehicles. All ages are welcome.
Trained occupational therapy students will lead drivers through a 12-point checklist with their vehicles, recommend personal vehicle adjustments and adaptations, and offer community resources and activities that could make personal vehicles “fit” better or enhance drivers’ safety. An occupational therapist will be on hand to provide information on how to maintain and strengthen driving health.
Participants are asked to call Desiree Lanford at 352-273-6024 to schedule a CarFit appointment.

WHEN: 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 10

WHERE: Carrabba’s Italian Grill parking lot at 3021 SW 34th St., Gainesville

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. Because of their fragility, seniors have the highest crash death rate per mile of everyone except teenagers.

WHO: Supporting sponsorship provided by the UF department of occupational therapy at the College of Public Health and Health Professions. National sponsors include the American Society on Aging, AAA, AARP and the American Occupational Therapy Association.

CONTACT: Desiree Lanford at 352-273-6024

For media inquiries contact Jill Pease at 352-273-5816 or jpease@phhp.ufl.edu.