Second-year doctoral students from Stony Brook University’s Occupational Therapy Program recently participated in a CarFit event aimed at helping older drivers adjust their vehicles for improved safety and comfort. The initiative took place on October 24 at Jefferson’s Ferry Independent Living, coinciding with World OT Day.
CarFit is a free educational program developed by AAA, AARP, and the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). It involves a 20-minute assessment conducted by trained technicians who use a 12-point checklist to evaluate factors such as seat position, mirror alignment, and seat belt fit. The goal is to provide recommendations that enhance driver safety.
Dale Coffin, clinical associate professor and chair of the Department of Occupational Therapy at Stony Brook University, said: “The value of having the ability to do a CarFit event focused on the opportunities to work with our community partners to fulfill a need and watching our OTD students apply their clinical knowledge.”
Karen DeChello, vice chair and clinical assistant professor, added: “CarFit is an important program in that it provides drivers with the means to be more comfortable and confident while driving. The outcome of the event is for participants to be as safe, independent and mobile in their community as possible, which is what a better vehicle ‘fit’ can provide.”
DeChello also noted that residents who took part in the event reported learning valuable information. They suggested that future CarFit events should be scheduled regularly so more residents could participate. Participants indicated that insights from CarFit would benefit drivers of all ages, including those attending driver education classes.