UF to offer free vehicle checks for older drivers

The University of Florida department of occupational therapy will offer CarFit, a free national program that gives older adults the opportunity to check how their personal vehicles "fit" them.

CarFit will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 14 in the parking lot at Carrabba's Italian Grill, 3021 S.W. 34th St., Gainesville. Trained occupational therapy students will lead mature drivers through a 12-point checklist with their vehicles, recommend personal vehicle adjustments and adaptations, and offer community resources and activities that could make personal vehicles "fit" better or enhance drivers' safety. An occupational therapist also will be on hand to provide information on how to maintain and strengthen driving health.

Although CarFit focuses on mature drivers, drivers of all ages are encouraged to sign up for a vehicle check.

CarFit is sponsored by the UF department of occupational therapy at the College of Public Health and Health Professions and the American Society on Aging, AAA, AARP and the American Occupational Therapy Association.

For more information, or to schedule a vehicle check, call Desiree Lanford at 352-392-8850.