Clarkson University Occupational Therapy Department Seeking Older Drivers for CarFit

Clarkson University’s Occupational Therapy Department has announced that CarFit will be coming to the university’s downtown campus to offer area senior drivers a free opportunity to check how their cars “fit” them.

CarFit will be held on on Wednesday, September 25 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Congdon Hall parking lot across from Clarkson Hall, 59 Main St., Potsdam.

Developed by AAA, AARP and the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) partnership, CarFit’s trained professionals take older drivers through a 12-point checklist with their vehicle, recommending minor adjustments that help make their cars “fit” better for comfort and safety. An occupational therapist is also on hand to provide information to seniors on how to maintain and strengthen driving health.

By 2030, there will be an estimated 58.9 million people aged 65 and older - that's one-in-five people. They are expected to represent one-in-four licensed drivers at that time. Personal mobility is critical for healthy aging. As our bodies change as we age, ill-fitting vehicles can make it uncomfortable and unsafe to drive. Additionally, due to fragility, older drivers have the highest crash death rate per mile of everyone except teenagers. CarFit is a tool that can work to help keep seniors safer behind the wheel.

Limited spots for CarFit are available. Anyone interested in reserving an appointment time should contact Clinical Associate Professor of Occupational Therapy Brittany DiSalvo by phone at 315-268-4415 or via email at [email protected].