Seniors get safety tune-up

Marilyn Pettett never thought putting her head on a steering wheel could make for safer driving.

The Newport Beach resident had never even adjusted her mirrors, aside from maybe her first drive in a rental or friend’s car.

Nevertheless, a driving coach helped her understand that the awkward position allowed Pettett to see her blind spot and — for the first time in her life — enabled her to employ the full range of her car’s rear-view mirror.

“I wish someone told me this when I started driving,” she said, laughing. “Putting your head on a steering wheel — who would’ve thought?”

Pettett was one of the first participants at Friday’s CarFit event, an event, sponsored by the Automobile Club of Southern California, that aimed at enhancing the safety of older drivers with one-on-one tutorials.

Other sponsors included Newport’s Oasis Senior Center, the American Occupational Therapy Assn., and the AARP.

About 14 people participated in 15-minute lessons and car adjustments, including mirror realignment, seat belt adjustment, and other checklists to enhance their protection on the road.

Seniors were also tested on their mobility — such as their ability to turn their neck and check their blind spot — and were made aware of any problems.

“I would say the majority of the people that showed up were over 55 and up and into their late 60s — some people were even in their 80s,” organizer Bill Shaver said. “But they all seemed to drive their cars very well.”

The cars were in good, safe shape too, Shaver said, adding they were mostly new vehicles.

Pettett, impressed with the level of service and education she received with the program, firmly encouraged other local drivers to take advantage of any future CarFit events.

“I suggest that senior citizens go to it to make sure that you’re safe in your car,” she said. “They offered a lot of interesting information, and gave me a lot of literature geared toward senior citizens ... I think it’s really, really interesting.”

Special services were made available for those who may require further assistance — for example, those who may need adaptive devices to assist in their driving, like a gas pedal extension or swivel seats, AAA representative Anita Lorz said.

While no such drivers appeared at Friday’s event, organizers will occasionally see a driver who just shouldn’t be on the road, she added. Normally, they are earmarked for such special attention.

“Unfortunately, those types of drivers will usually not come to events like this because they know they shouldn’t be behind the wheel,” she explained. “On the other hand, we do have drivers that may look like they can’t drive, but have a clean driving record, are seated correctly, can move. Our motto is: Age is not a factor in driving, and we believe that older people should drive as long as they can, provided it’s safe to do so.”

CHRIS CAESAR may be reached at (714) 966-4626 or at [email protected].