Introducing new website, AAASeniors.com, and CarFit event Sept. 23rd

BUFFALO, N.Y., September 11, 2009 – AAA announces the launch of a new senior safety and mobility website, www.AAASeniors.com, as part of its growing list of resources for seniors and families of older drivers that include programs such as CarFit, in-car evaluations and mature operator driving courses.

“With more Americans remaining active and living longer, providing resources that effectively address the safety and mobility challenges older drivers face is more important than ever,” said Tom Chestnut, President/CEO of AAA Western and Central New York. “AAASeniors.com, and programs such as CarFit, give seniors and their families the tools necessary to help manage the inevitable consequences of aging, continue to drive safely or transition to alternative modes of transportation, and remain independent.”

AAASeniors.com provides expert advice about how aging affects one’s ability to drive safely and tools to help extend safe driving and assist in difficult discussions about transitioning from driver to passenger. Additionally, visitors will find a variety of resources from educational brochures and mature operator defensive driving courses, to tips on choosing a vehicle, skill assessment tools, and free community-based programs, such as CarFit. The site’s content and resources are based on extensive traffic safety research.

AAA will host a CarFit event on Wednesday, September 23, 2009 at the AAA Amherst Travel and Insurance Center, 100 International Drive, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. CarFit is a program to determine proper vehicle “fit” and recommend adjustments to allow senior drivers to feel more comfortable behind the wheel and possess greater control of their vehicles. The event is free and open to senior drivers and their families. Reservations are required by visiting www.AAA.com or calling (800) 836-CLUB (2582).

Each CarFit evaluation is administered by specially-trained volunteers and health professionals, such as occupational therapists, and includes a 12-point checklist to ensure drivers are sitting properly in their vehicle and that driver’s seat, seat belt, mirrors, steering wheel, head restraint, pedals, and other controls are positioned properly to enhance safe driving.

Adults age 65 and older represent the fastest growing segment of the country’s population. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, one in four drivers – more than 30 million – will be age 65 or older by 2030.

As Upstate New York’s largest member services organization, AAA provides nearly 880,000 members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive related services. Since its founding in 1900, AAA has been a leading advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. Visit AAA at www.AAA.com.