Canadian Legislative Issues

The Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) and the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT) launched a new safety clinic for senior drivers called "CarFit" during CAOT’s annual meeting in New Brunswick recently.

The program's goal is to improve driver safety for older motorists by educating them on the safety features installed in newer vehicles.

Modern vehicles can be intimidating for some senior drivers who can get confused when attempting to adjust the technical features of their car. This leads to a feeling of insecurity behind the wheel. The CarFit program is an educational opportunity for senior drivers where an expert takes the driver through all of the configurations of their vehicle and provides a checklist of twelve safety components. These range from adjusting their side mirrors appropriately to prevent blind spots, to altering seating as well as instructions on how to utilize the varying safety components of their own car.

The program was initiated in the United States by Occupational Therapist Ellin Schold-Davis. Plans are underway to implement similar clinics throughout the country, as it has proven to show positive results for those drivers who have participated. Organizers say that participants feel much more confident and much less apprehensive getting behind the wheel after the lessons, leading to overall safer driving on the roads.