Have you ever thought about how well your car fits you? Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land and AAA Michigan say a good fit can make a difference when it comes to your safety.

With that in mind, the Department of State has teamed up with AAA Michigan to promote CarFit, a traffic safety program for mature drivers.

"It's crucial to make sure all your vehicle's controls are properly set for your safety and that of your passengers," said Land. "CarFit helps take the guesswork out of the process of determining how a car should best fit its driver. I encourage all seniors to take advantage of this program, which comes at no cost to state residents."

Trained professionals help drivers adjust their vehicle's controls, mirrors, seats and other components to best fit their height and size. They also offer community-specific resources and activities to enhance driver safety. Department staff also participate in order to enhance their evaluation techniques that can be used at driver re-examinations to promote greater safety behind the wheel.

"Although seniors are often the safest drivers in that they are more likely to wear their seat belts, and less likely to speed or drink and drive, age-related fragility makes them more likely to be injured when a crash does occur," said Jack Peet, Community Safety Services manager for AAA Michigan. "Older Americans need to take extra care to ensure that their cars are properly adjusted for them."

To qualify, you must be a licensed driver at least 65 years old and own a registered vehicle. Call AAA Community Safety Services at (800) 646-4222 to schedule an appointment.

Evaluations will be offered on the following dates:

• May 28 at the Burnham Brook Community Center, Battle Creek
• May 30 at the Ionia County Commission on Aging, Ionia
• June 9 at the Port Huron AAA Branch Office, Port Huron
• June 17 at the Flint AAA Branch Office, Flint
• June 20 at the Grand Rapids S.E. AAA Branch Office, Kentwood

Additional events will be held statewide throughout the summer and fall.

Secretary of State branch offices near CarFit evaluation sites will provide printed materials and a schedule of events. Those materials are also available on the department's Web site at www.Michigan.gov/sos.

CarFit was developed through collaboration among the American Occupational Therapy Association, AAA and AARP.

Related Link
> 2008 CarFit Schedule
> CarFit Brochure (PDF)