Helping Older Drivers Stay Safe: CarFit Comes to Northside
I have a really cool job. I work for the Kansas Traffic Safety Resource Office, a department of DCCCA, a nonprofit organization that is contracted by KDOT to conduct traffic safety education across the state. We offer free and low-cost classes, trainings, and presentations on seat belt use, car seat and booster seat safety, distracted driving, teen driver safety, older driver safety, motorcycle awareness, and mental health and driving.
KTSRO provides specialized educational programs including child passenger safety technician training, the NSC defensive driving course, AARP’s Smart Driver class, and CarFit.
I am excited to bring CarFit to Northside on Thursday, July 30, from 9-11am for any senior driver in the Wichita area who wants to attend.
CarFit helps older drivers find out how well they currently fit their personal vehicle, to highlight what they can do to improve their fit, and to promote conversations about driver safety and community mobility. A proper fit in your vehicle can greatly increase the safety of both you and your passengers.
What happens at a CarFit event?
- A driver pulls into the parking lot and is directed to a spot with a volunteer.
- The volunteer will go over a vehicle equipment checklist with the driver.
- Sometimes, an occupational therapist is available (we are still looking for one to work with in Wichita!) to talk with people about any concerns or discomfort they have while getting into or out of their vehicle or driving, recommending adaptive equipment or other options to improve comfort and safety.
CarFit is not a driving test. It will not qualify you for any insurance discount.
Here are a few examples of what you’ll learn:
- How to properly adjust your mirrors to minimize blind spots.
- How to adjust your seat and/or pedals for good foot positioning to reduce leg fatigue and slowed reaction times.
- How to adjust your steering wheel and/or seat to ensure a clear line of vision and enough space between you and the air bag.
It takes about 20 minutes and it’s free!
To learn more about CarFit or RSVP, visit car-fit.org or call me at 316-737-1920. I’m happy to answer any questions about CarFit or anything else related to driving safely!