LPD Hosts CarFit for Senior Drivers

The Livermore Police Department is hosting CarFit, a pilot program for licensed drivers aged 65 and older.

Trained professionals will lead participants through a 15 minute, 12-point checklist with their vehicle and recommend vehicle adjustments and adaptations that could make the vehicle “fit” better and enhance safety.

"A proper fit in one's car can greatly increase not only the driver's safety but also the safety of others," Livermore police said in a news release.

The police department, which declared July as Mature Driver Safety Month, says its goal is to keep seniors driving safely for as long as possible.

Livermore police in the press release that people over the age of 65 are the fastest growing population in the United States, and by 2030, there will be more than 30 million older drivers on our roads -- representing 25 percent of the driving public.

In 2007, nearly 200,000 mature drivers were injured in traffic collisions nationwide and 79 percent of all fatal traffic collisions involving mature drivers occurred during the day time, the statement said.

This is due to the fragility of the human body as it ages rather than unsafe driving practices on the part of older drivers, who are more likley to wear their seatbelts and less likely to speed or drink and drive.

The event will take place at Vineyard Village Senior Housing in the loop in front of the office. To make an appointment, stop by the front desk.