LABELLE — The Florida Department of Transportation’s(FDOT) Safe Mobility for Life Coalition and the City of LaBelle are teaming up to host a FREE CarFit Event and Community Resource Fair in Hendry County!

This indoor/outdoor event will be held on Wednesday, January 24, 2024, at the LaBelle Civic Center, located at 481 W. Hickpochee Ave., LaBelle, from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Attendees will enjoy an indoor resource fair showcasing state and local vendors, safety, mobility, health-wellness information, and more for Hendry County’s older adults. Attendees will also enjoy light snacks and giveaways.

Outdoors, participants will have the opportunity to attend a one-on-one check-up with a trained CarFit technician to improve their “fit” in their vehicle for comfort and safety. In 2021, Hendry County residents ages 65 and older made up 18 percent of all motorists on Florida’s highways. That number has since grown, prompting FDOT to provide the CarFit service in rural areas to improve safety among mature drivers.

Occupational therapists will be on hand to help mature drivers measure how they should fit in their vehicle and offer suggestions to improve drivers’ comfort, safety and fit. (i.e., adjusting the steering wheel to ensure a clear view of the road and checking mirrors to eliminate blind spots.)

As motorists age, natural changes occur with vision, flexibility and speed of reflexes. It’s a reality check that should prompt mature drivers to make adjustments to ensure their cars are properly fitted for ultimate safety.