Older drivers learn new tricks about cars | Manawatu-Wanganui News | Local News in Manawatu-Wanganui

Late-model cars and early-model drivers don't always make the perfect mix, and a United States-designed car familiarisation programme is showing up how much a lot of drivers don't know about their vehicles.

Another CarFit programme was recently held in Wanganui, backed by Age Concern Wanganui and Horizons Regional Council, and about 30 drivers took part.

The programme takes the drivers through a 12-point check- list, with volunteers and AA staff showing them how they can personally "fit" their vehicle.

Those checks include showing drivers how to properly position their seat and steering wheel for comfortable driving, as well as showing them how the vehicle controls work.

Andrew Robertson, one of three national trainers for CarFit, said driver reaction to the checks had been "amazing".

He said cars had changed so much in the past 30 years, it was little wonder elderly drivers in particular were unfamiliar with some of the equipment.

"Unfortunately car salesmen will sell cars without 'fitting' it to the driver and they have no idea of a lot of the functions that can work in their favour," he said.

Mr Robertson said he had seen people crying after they had been through CarFit, but for the right reasons.

"We simply raised the seat of one driver and suddenly they could see all the road ahead of them," he said. "They just wept when we did something that simple."

CarFit worked in neatly with the safe-driving course Age Concern has been running.

"While we haven't taken them on the road, we have boosted their safety and their confidence massively," Mr Robertson said.

One of those tested was 81-year-old Williamina Waddell of Wanganui, who has been driving since she was in her early 20s.

"I didn't know the steering moved up and down in my car until today, and I didn't know I could move the seatbelt up and down," Mrs Waddell said.

"I knew the seat went up and down but I thought I had it up as high as it could go. But it wasn't and now I can see a lot better."

Mrs Waddell said all elderly drivers should take the course.

Ellen Mildon, injury prevention consultant for ACC, said word of mouth was getting people to the CarFit sessions and she said all those attending learned something about functions on their cars.

"Some of them can't find their rear window wipers control," Ms Mildon said.

"One person never knew that small handle on the door changed the position of the wing mirrors."