April 26, 2017 12:30-2:30 p.m.
The Tennessee Department of Safety invites seniors (or family and friends who have driving seniors in their life) to join the department at the next Nashville CarFit event, being held on April 26, 2017 in the parking lot at Vine Street Christian Church (4101 Harding Pike). The event takes place from 12:30-2:30 p.m.
Created through a partnership between AAA, AARP and the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), CarFit promotes conversations between older drivers and their families about driver safety. The program also helps seniors improve the “fit” of their vehicles, thanks to a 12-point checklist to assess the fit of a driver's car for safety settings. Participants will be able to see first-hand how trained technicians can help aging drivers with the comfort and safety settings in their car including:
· a clear line-of-sight over the steering wheel;
• adequate space between the front air bag/steering wheel and the driver’s breastbone; properly adjusted head restraints;
· proper positioning on gas and brake pedals;
· proper seat belt use and fit, and safe positioning of mirrors to minimize blind spots.
The Tennessee Department of Safety says older drivers often get a bad rap for being a menace on the road. But data about their safe driving practices reveals quite the contrary.
According to a recent survey from AAA, AARP and the American Occupational Therapy Association, nine in 10 older drivers fasten their seat belts when they get behind the wheel, and more than a third have taken driver improvement courses.
For more information about the event, please contact Rose Boyd with the Tennessee Department of Safety (615/741-7708; rose.boyd@tn.gov).
Welcoming this event is another way Vine Street Christian Church is proud to serve the greater Nashville community!