October 3, 2019 – Seniors represent the fastest-growing segment of drivers. Current projections suggest that a quarter of all drivers will be over the age of 65 by 2025. Yet, they are the most fragile drivers on the road, resulting in a higher death rate per mile driven than any other group.

To keep senior drivers driving as long as safely possible, AAA Oklahoma and Oklahoma County Sheriff TRIAD are hosting a FREE CarFit event in Eastern Oklahoma County. It will occur Friday, Oct. 18, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., in the parking lot of First Southern Baptist Church, 6400 S. Sooner Road OKC.

Appointments are required for the free, 20-minute check and can be made by calling (405) 488-7611. CarFit technicians trained by AAA provide a quick, yet comprehensive 12-point check of how well the senior driver’s car “fits” them. Technicians will check

• steering wheel tilt/position, 

• distance the driver sits from the steering wheel, 

• line of sight above the steering wheel, 
• position of driver to gas/brake pedal and 
• mirror settings to eliminate blind spots.

CarFit also provides valuable information to seniors that have difficulty:

• Reaching the shoulder harness and buckling/unbuckling the seat belt

• Getting into and out of a vehicle easily

• Turning their head to look over their shoulder while changing lanes

• Sitting comfortably, without knee, back, hip, neck or shoulder stiffness or pain

Car care technicians will provide participants with free tire, battery and windshield wiper inspections.

Senior Driver Statistics

• Seniors aged 65 and over are more than twice as likely as younger drivers to be killed when involved in a crash.

• In 2017, more than 8,000 senior drivers (aged 66 or older) were injured in crashes. These crashes also injured 2,200 senior passengers.

For more information, visit SeniorDriving.AAA.com