PORTSMOUTH — Shawnee State University’s masters of occupational therapy program will host the Portsmouth CarFit event from 7:30 to 11:30 a.m., on Friday, Oct. 30, at the SSU Athletic Center Parking Lot.

CarFit is a national program developed by AAA, AARP and the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) partnership to help older drivers through a 12-point checklist with their vehicle that will help make their car “fit” better to their comfort and safety. By 2030, there will an expected one in four drivers to be a senior the age of 65 or older, and ill-fitting vehicles can make it uncomfortable and unsafe for older drivers. CarFit is a tool that can work to help keep seniors safer behind the wheel.

Trained professionals from CarFit and occupational therapists will be at the event to provide information to seniors on how to maintain and strengthen their driving health.

At the CarFit event, trained volunteers will check items such as the correct position of the driver’s seat, the driver’s ability to easily reach pedals and the proper adjustments of the mirrors.

“As we age, changes in our vision, flexibility, strength, range of motion and even size and height may make us less comfortable and reduce our control behind the wheel,” said Dr. Christine Raber, MOT professor at SSU. “CarFit provides older adults with the tools to understand and apply the safety features of their car.”