Valparaiso University’s occupational therapy program, part of the College of Nursing and Health Professions, will once again host a CarFit event to help older drivers enhance the safety and comfort of their vehicles. The event will take place on April 10 from 12:30-1:30 p.m. at StoryPoint Chesterton and is free and open to the public.
CarFit is a free, interactive program designed to assist older adults in adjusting their personal vehicles for maximum safety, comfort, and control. The program is sponsored through a collaboration between AARP and the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) and is led by trained occupational therapy students and professionals.
During the event, participants will go through a 12-point checklist to address key safety concerns such as:
- Ensuring proper seat positioning for optimal visibility and comfort
- Maintaining a safe distance from the steering wheel
- Adjusting mirrors to reduce blind spots
- Checking seat belt positioning for effectiveness and comfort
- Ensuring easy access to vehicle controls and pedals
Following the assessment, occupational therapy practitioners will provide expert recommendations on modifications that may improve the driving experience.
“It is critically important that mature drivers make safety a personal priority,” said Sara Story, Ed.D., OTD, OTR/L, BCG, CAPS, program director and associate professor of occupational therapy at Valparaiso University. “As we age, changes in our vision, flexibility, strength, range of motion, and even size and height may make us less comfortable and reduce our control behind the wheel. CarFit provides older adults with the tools to understand and apply their car’s safety features.”
Mature drivers are also encouraged to check with their local AARP office for driver safety refresher courses designed for older road users. Additionally, those seeking more individualized assessments can look into occupational therapy driving evaluation programs, which provide personalized recommendations for safer driving. CarFit serves as an extension of these classroom-based programs, offering older drivers the opportunity to ensure their personal vehicles are adjusted to their specific needs.
This event is part of Valparaiso University’s Assistive Technology (OCTH 737) and Occupational Therapy Practice in Productive Aging (OCTH 735) courses, providing students with hands-on experience in community engagement and driver safety education. CarFit is just one of the ways that Valparaiso University occupational therapy students are living out the University’s commitment to service in the local community and region. To learn more about Valparaiso University’s occupational therapy program, visit valpo.edu/otd.