As baby boomers begin to age, many expect to work and remain active longer than their parents did, prolonging their need to drive.

However, data indicates that more and more senior drivers are encountering issues while behind the wheel.

Over the last five years, there have been more than 217,000 crashes involving a driver 65 or older, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol. This includes more than 150,000 crashes with property damage, more than 59,000 injuries and more than 1,000 fatal crashes.

In an ongoing effort to ensure seniors are driving for as long and as safely as possible, AAA will host a spring CarFit event with the Miami Township Police Department on Tuesday, April 11th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m at the Miami Township Civic Center located at 6101 Meijer Drive, Milford Ohio 45150.

CarFit is a free community-based program developed by AAA, AARP and the American Occupational Therapy Association that focuses on ensuring senior drivers are fitted correctly for their vehicle. Certified technicians lead drivers through a 20-minute 12-point checklist with their vehicle, recommend personal vehicle adjustments and adaptations and offer community specific resources and activities that could make their personal vehicles “fit” better or enhance their safety.

“While seniors are more likely to wear their seatbelts and not speed, they are also more likely to be seriously killed or injured in a crash due to the fragility of their aging bodies,” says Mike Belcoure, AAA Driving School Manager. “This event gives seniors and their families a chance to ask certified experts key questions on how they can ensure their safety and the safety of others while behind the wheel.”

For more information or to register for the free event, senior drivers can call Jenifer Moore at (513) 762-3105 or email jmoore1@aaa-alliedgroup.com.