The CAA Saskatchewan CarFit clinic was in Regina, and was full of seniors wanting to be reviewed on their driving comfort and skills.
The program has been around for just over a year and travels to different cities in Saskatchewan.
A CarFit technician and an occupational therapist are on site to evaluate mature drivers based on a 12-point checklist.
“It’s a really good review for any driver, not just a mature driver,” CAA Saskatchewan communications specialist Lona Gervais said.
“Some of the drivers, have been driving since they were 16 years old and it’s been a few years for them and technology has changed.”
Occupational therapist Nancy Piluk said her role is to help drivers take the next step if they encountered any problems on the checklist.
“I can provide some advice in addressing those, whether it’s an adaptive device, or a cushion to sit higher or a handle to help them get out more easily, and those kind of things,” Piluk said.
Gary Poitras has been waiting to come to the clinic for over a year. The 75-year-old is soaking all the information in.
“We went over everything, seatbelts, headlights, washers, how far away from the steering wheel, if the air bags going to hit you in the chest or not. All sorts of things that you wouldn’t think of normally,” Poitras said.
“Everything was totally refreshed.”
Saskatchewan doesn’t have a set age when mature drivers need to be retested to keep their licence.
Shirley Domshy said she has been driving for 57 years and the clinic really helped her.
“It just makes your more aware and we all need all the help we can get,” Domshy said.
CAA Saskatchewan plans to continue the clinic and expand to more communities next year.
Comments