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CarFit for older drivers

Modern cars have a lot of adjustable features for comfort and safety but drivers often don't know how to use them.

CarFit is a free programme that shows older drivers how to set-up their car so they are in the best position physically, have the greatest range of vision and can access all the controls.

This is particularly beneficial for older drivers as, while they are among the safest drivers on the road, our bodies become much more fragile as we age and being in a correctly set-up car helps drivers stay safe and feel more confident behind the wheel. There are also many devices that can make using a car easier for people with health or mobility issues and CarFit can provide advice about these.

CarFit programmes are run regularly throughout the country. To find out if one is available in your area, or if you are interested in helping to run a CarFit event, contact Kath Henderson on (04) 931 9988.

No driver attending a CarFit programme risks losing their licence or being ordered off the road. The aim of the programme is to help people stay independent and drive safely and enjoyably.

What happens at a CarFit check

"Solved a whole lot of minor problems I had that I did not know I had. Can now see the dashboard instruments information such as petrol gauge and when my lights are on high. Seatbelt fits properly and I now feel much more comfortable."

"Found lots of stuff out about the car that I did not know. I’m a very short person, so have now finally been able to adjust the car to fit. I have been putting up with driving with my seatbelt across my neck for years."

- comments from Levin CarFit participants

A CarFit check takes about 20 minutes with trained community volunteers and/or health professionals working with each participant to ensure they "fit" their vehicle properly for maximum comfort and safety.

CarFit technicians check things like:

Adjusting the driver’s seat to the best position for the driver to control the car and have optimum field of vision
Adjusting the steering wheel and seat belt to be comfortable and safe
Whether the driver is using all their mirrors to minimise blind spots
Whether a driver is aware of other safety features in their vehicle and how to use them
Any risks or comfort issues particular to the driver and tips for how to manage them. For example, a technician might suggest regular eye check-ups, or a particular type of adaptive equipment that can assist getting in and out of the vehicle more easily, or equipment that can increase the driver’s field of vision when seat positioning cannot be altered adequately.

Importance of CarFit

Older drivers are among the most safety-conscious drivers on our roads because they are more likely to wear their seatbelts and less likely to speed or drink and drive.

Unfortunately, when a crash does occur, older drivers are more likely to be seriously injured or killed because of their greater physical fragility.

Older drivers can improve their safety by ensuring their cars are properly adjusted for them. A proper fit in your car can greatly increase your own safety and comfort and the safety of friends and family who may be your passengers.

Benefits for older drivers

The programme offers older drivers a 12 Point Check-Up of how well they personally “fit” their vehicle. It also provides related information and recommendations that can improve their safety as drivers and enhance their mobility in the community.

People who have a CarFit Check-Up are better informed about their vehicle and about advice, products and services that can help them drive safely for longer.

CarFit is a community education programme which is free to drivers.

CarFit events in your community

CarFit events are coordinated by local authorities and community groups like Age Concern, Lions International and Rotary, with the support of the AA and the NZ Association of Occupational Therapists.

CarFit was introduced to New Zealand in late 2010 and the AA is working to help establish the events in as many communities around the country as possible.

The programme has been adapted and brought to New Zealand by the AA and the New Zealand Association of Occupational Therapists after being created in the USA several years ago by the American Society on Aging. It was developed in collaboration with AAA (American Automobile Association), AARP and the American Occupational Therapy Association.