Second-year doctoral students from the Occupational Therapy Program at Stony Brook University’s School of Health Professions recently participated in a CarFit event aimed at helping older drivers adjust their vehicles for optimal safety and comfort. The event, held on October 24 in collaboration with Jefferson’s Ferry Independent Living, coincided with World OT Day: Occupational Therapy in Action.
CarFit is a free educational program developed by AAA, AARP, and the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). It offers a 20-minute assessment where trained technicians use a 12-point checklist to review aspects such as seat position, mirror alignment, and seat belt fit. Participants receive recommendations and resources to help improve their driving safety.
Dale Coffin, clinical associate professor and chair of the Department of Occupational Therapy, commented on the significance of the initiative: “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 appreciated the program’s benefits. They suggested that future CarFit events should be scheduled regularly so more residents could participate. Feedback indicated that information provided during CarFit assessments could be useful not only for older adults but also for new drivers in education classes.
