CarFit: An Evaluation of Behaviour Change and Impact

Abstract

Introduction: CarFit is a community-based educational programme developed to address driver-vehicle fit and vehicle safety feature use among older drivers in the United States. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the usefulness and impact of the CarFit programme. Method: Four separate CarFit events were conducted using the standardised 12-point checklist, after which participants were provided with a questionnaire to complete and return. Results: The results revealed that 95% of the 54 participants felt that CarFit was somewhat or very useful. Information about the programme reached beyond the study participants because 74% discussed the programme with others and 96% were somewhat or very likely to recommend CarFit. Feelings of programme usefulness were associated positively with the likelihood of recommending CarFit (χ2(6) = 32.502, p<0.001). Safety behaviours also changed as evidenced by reports of vehicle safety feature adjustments, most notably to the outside mirrors, head restraint and steering wheel tilt. Conclusion: The results suggest that an interactive community education programme such as CarFit can change the safety behaviours of older drivers. The potential for increased societal impact exists due to the significant sharing of information by CarFit participants.