Are you worried about the safety of an elderly driver in your family? If so, the good news is that there is an established and well-regarded American program, Car Fit, which might help your driver and ease your mind.

http://www.car-fit.org/

Here’s a paraphrased summary of information from the website:
“Created by the American Society on Aging and developed in collaboration with AAA (American Automobile Association), AARP and the American Occupational Therapy Association, Car Fit is designed to:
a. help older drivers find out how well they currently fit their personal vehicle,
b. highlight actions they can take to improve their fit, and
c. promote conversations about driver safety and community mobility. A proper fit in one’s personal vehicle can greatly increase not only the driver’s safety but also the safety of others.

Three quick examples underscore the importance of road safety to the CarFit program, which reviews twelve key areas of the driver’s fit to the personal vehicle.
1. Example one: Knowing how to properly adjust one’s mirrors can greatly minimize blind spots for drivers who may wish to change lanes.
2. Example two: Good foot positioning on the gas and brake pedals is important. If the driver is reaching with his or her toes to press on the pedals, it can cause fatigue in one’s leg and slowed reaction times.
3. Example three: Drivers run a risk of serious injury if they are sitting closer than 10 inches to the steering wheel.

Is CarFit effective? CarFit was pilot tested in 10 cities in the spring of 2005 with more than 300 older driver participants. Based on findings from the CarFit checklists completed at the events and follow-up surveys of participants, the program appears to be highly effective on multiple fronts. Some of the results show:
…over one-third (37%) had at least one critical safety issue needing addressed.
…one in ten (10%) were seated too close to the steering wheel.
…approximately 20% did not have a line of sight at least 3″ over the steering wheel.

In addition, the vast majority of those responding to the survey indicated that as a result of having gone through the CarFit event, they made a change to improve the fit of their vehicle, their use of safety features in their vehicle and/or their willingness to discuss their driving with family and/or health care providers.
A number of Car Fit events have already been scheduled across the US. You can Check out the one closest to you at http://www.car-fit.org/carfit/EventMap or contact an Occupational Therapist in your area for local information.”

Car Fit also recommends a number of simple and effective products, which can increase comfort and/or safety for elderly drivers, including the Handybar, which is made by Avenue Innovations Inc.. Under the brand “AVIN”, Avenue manufactures and distributes a number of automobile-centric products under its AVIN brand. AVIN products can help the elderly and disabled to drive more comfortably and safely for as long as the government gives them a Driver’s License.

AVIN Products which may help the elderly and disabled drive more safely and comfortably.
1. The Handybar: The Handybar is a simple and effective mobility aid, which helps elderly and disabled drivers and passengers get in and out of cars, trucks, and SUVs, safely and comfortably. The Handybar fits both driver and passenger doors on 95% of all automobiles made since 1998. Supports up to 350 pounds. Tactile grip is slip resistant in rain and snow. Provides users with increased sense of independence, dignity and self-esteem.

2. The Swivel Cushion: The Swivel Cushion is a soft and flexible cushion, which rotates 360 degrees and allows the user easier and more comfortable transfer in and out of a vehicle. It can ease the strain on a lower back strain and allow those with weak legs to swing their legs around more easily. Works well in combination with the Handybar.

3. The Automobility Solution: The Automobility Solution combines two excellent products, which address related needs for many elderly and disabled drivers. The Handybar allows the user to safely get in and out of their vehicle, while increasing personal dignity and independence –while lowering the chance of falls. It fits securely into either the passenger or driver side of the door of almost all types of vehicles and comes with added safety features such as a window breaker and seat belt cutter in case of an emergency. The SwivelCushion is a soft, flexible swivel seat, that’s unique design allows for easy transfer in and out of a vehicle. It swivels 360 degrees allowing the user full range of motion. Packaged together, they make a thoughtful gift for an elderly or disabled driver or passenger.

4. Grab & Pull Seatbelt Reacher: The Grab&Pull seatbelt reacher is an easy-to-pull handle that easily attaches to the seatbelt without tools. It serves as a convenient handle for people who need a little extra help reaching and/or pulling their seatbelts around. Often used by able bodied people with sore shoulders, or whose car seat is pulled so far forward, that they have a hard time reaching the seatbelt way behind them

5. Panoramic Mirror: The 17” Panoramic Mirror is intended to help those with reduced peripheral vision. It eliminates/reduces blind spots and increases Driver confidence.

If you’d like more information, please email info@avenueinnovations.com or phone Avenue Innovations toll-free at 888-738-0611