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Cape Coral Car-Fit Event Could Save Seniors' Lives
Jul 23, 2008 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DATE: July 23 2008 CONTACT: Diane Holm, Public Information Officer (239) 357-3540 cell (239) 533-3939 office CAPE CORAL CAR-FIT EVENT COULD SAVE SENIORS' LIVES Ft. Myers, Fla.-A double benefit for seniors is scheduled for this weekend by the Cape Coral Hospital. A CarFit event is scheduled for the Wellness Center Parking lot from 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday and participants get a free gas voucher as well as a multi-point safety inspection and education on sitting safer in their vehicles. The program is designed to help older drivers find out how well they currently fit their personal vehicle, to highlight actions they can take to improve their fit, and to promote conversations about driver safety and community mobility. A proper fit in one's personal vehicle can greatly increase not only the driver's safety but also the safety of passengers, said Sue Maxwell, Director of Aging Services and local event coordinator. The CarFit website (www.carfit.org) claims older drivers are more likely to be killed or seriously injured when a crash occurs due to the greater fragility of their aging bodies, despite the fact that they are classified among the safest drivers. In Southwest Florida, Charlotte County seniors are most susceptible to injuries caused by an improper fit in their vehicles, said Fran Carlin-Rogers who is administering the program for the Florida Department of Transportation. Cape Coral Hospital volunteered to host the event and training of technicians Seniors interested in being fitted to their vehicles are asked to call the Wellness Center at 573-4800 to register. The fittings are all on Saturday morning, July 26, and each one takes about 20 minutes to complete. Volunteers interested in training to become a Car-Fit technicians should call Maxwell at 334-5768. The training is 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, July 25. Location: Cape Coral Wellness Center Date and Time: Training: July 25, 2008 9-4 Fittings: July 26, 2008 7:30-11:00 Reservation Phone Number: 239-573-4800 |