Canadian Automobile Association: Helping Aging Drivers

Driving Facts and Tips

CarFit

While automotive and road engineers have begun to address issues for aging drivers, you can also take measures into your own hands and reduce the stress of driving by making your vehicle "fit."

Roll your cursor over the parts of the car on this page to see how you can ensure your car and you are as good a fit as possible. You can also learn more about these tips here.

Make sure you can see at least 7.5 cm (3") above the steering wheel.

Your breastbone should be at least 25-30 cm (10-12") from the steering wheel column.

Adjust your seat height and position for good sightlines and easy access to all dashboard controls.

Make sure the head restraint is against the centre of the back of your head, not your neck. If necessary, have a friend help you grasp the head restraint and pull it up.

Make sure you can fully depress the brake and move your foot to the gas without difficulty.

The lower part of the belt should go across your hips and the upper part across your rib cage.

Adjust all mirrors to reduce blind spots (see fact sheet for details).

Other tips

Make sure you can:

  • Reach your shoulder harness to buckle and unbuckle yourself easily
  • Get into and out of your vehicle easily
  • Turn your head to look over your shoulder when you change lanes
  • Sit as comfortably as you can without stiffness or pain in your knees, back, hips, neck or shoulders

For more information on the CarFit program, please click here (PDF).

CarFit is an educational program created by the American Society on Aging and developed in collaboration with the American Automobile Association (AAA), American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) and the American Occupational Therapy Association.

This information is not intended to replace an evaluation by a driver rehabilitation specialist or an occupational therapist (OT). Many devices will require additional training and/or a prescription from an OT.