GR Pilots Driving Program

GRAND RAPIDS — CarFit, a pilot program designed to help older drivers determine how their vehicles fit their physiology and driving habits will launch here.

People over 65 are the nation’s fastest-growing population segment. By 2030, one in five drivers will be age 65 or older putting more than 30 million older drivers on the roads.

The goal of the program — developed through collaboration between the American Society on Aging, AAA, AARP and the American Occupational Therapy Association — is to keep seniors driving safely for as long as possible.

Trained professionals will lead drivers through a 15-minute, 12-point checklist with their vehicles, recommending adjustments and adaptations and offering community specific resources and activities that can make their cars “fit” better and enhance safety. Driver rehabilitation specialists will be on hand to provide consulting on how to better adapt a vehicle to an individual driving profile.

Grand Rapids is one of 10 pilot sites.

AAA Michigan, AARP and Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital will conduct the program locally on May 20, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at AAA Michigan’s branch office at 4650 Plainfield Ave. NE. Any licensed driver age 65 or older is invited to participate.