Wanganui's elderly drivers got a much better understanding of their vehicles when they drove up to the first in a series of familiarisation programmes being run by Age Concern Wanganui yesterday.
Age Concern and Horizons Regional Council are running the CarFit programmes, a US-designed scheme aimed at helping older drivers makethe best possible use of a car's safety features so they can carry on driving.
Janet Lewis, health promoter and volunteer co-ordinator for Age Concern, said 16 drivers went through the programme yesterday.
Mrs Lewis said they were helped by an occupational therapist, the AA and eight volunteers.
"For our first one it went very well," she said.
"Next week we'll be ringing those drivers to gauge their feedback."
She said the next CarFit day would be held on May 17 and Age Concern was looking at staging that at one of the city's rest homes. "Quite a few rest home residents are drivers, so it make sense to go to them. But of course, the day will be open to any other elderly driver."
The CarFit programme takes the drivers through a 12-point check list, showing them how they can personally "fit" their vehicle.
Those checks include showing drivers how to properly position their seat and steering wheel for comfortable driving, as well as showing them how the vehicle controls work..
Mrs Lewis said there were many functions in cars that drivers were not aware of, with some not knowing how to adjust their seat or steering wheel.
Age Concern Wanganui intends to run at least another three CarFit programmes before the end of June.
