It’s the program many parents want their parents to attend… and for good reason.
The national CarFit program, sponsored by the American Automobile Association (AAA), is designed to reduce the risk of accidents among older drivers (age 65 and up)… and it’s coming to a city near you.
During 2008 trained professionals will be visiting all 50 states to evaluate the “fit” of the driver to the vehicle. The program assesses features such as safety belt use, head restraint setting, position of driver to air bags, mirror adjustment and line of sight, and operation of vehicle controls.
The service is free and its goal is to enhance safety and comfort for mature drivers. It’s very easy to sign up. In most cities CarFit takes place at local community colleges. Drivers make individual appointments and then go through a 15-minute, 12-point checklist at the event. According to the AAA, during the 15-minute “check-up” seniors learn that their age can affect vision, strength, flexibility, range of motion and even height. The pros do an evaluation and the car’s features are adjusted accordingly.
The only catch: the event is only open to the first 100 drivers with a valid driver’s license.
WHALE OF A GOOD TIME ON THE BIG ISLAND
This next tidbit is from a friend of mine who lives in Hawaii. She sent me an email shortly after I posted my previous blog regarding whale-watching adventures in the Hawaiian Islands. Apparently, I detailed the cruises that are available on Maui and Oahu and neglected the whale watching opportunities on the Big Island of Hawaii.
So, yes, my pal is right, while Maui is known for having the most whale watching cruise operators it by no means has a lock on visiting humpbacks. If your travels take you to the Big Island of Hawaii before March 31, 2008 check out Hula Kai’s Whale Watch Cruise.
The cruise departs at 3 p.m. daily, and at 11:30 a.m. on Mondays and Fridays from Keauhou Bay. The cost per person is $75 plus tax (minimum age is 8). Snacks and tropical juices are included. Capacity is limited to 42 passengers.
The cruise takes place on board a 55-foot Technicraft power catamaran, and includes lessons on Hawaii’s ancient ties to whales from a local marine naturalist who also shares information about humpback whale behavior in the waters of Alaska, where they feed, and in the warm waters of Hawaii where they mate and give birth. A hydrophone is also available on board, which allows guests to listen to the underwater songs of the humpback whales.
Related Articles:
Cruising the Pacific on a Ribcraft
Traveling To Hawaii—With Your Pet
Hawaii–Visiting the Big Island’s Best Waterfalls
Hawaiian 101: “Was that Mauka or Makai?”
Adventure Travel–Swimming With Sharks
Adventure Travel–A Trip to the “Valley of the Kings”
Visiting the World’s Largest Outdoor Shopping Center
Destination: Hawaii–A Great Family Beach
Visiting Hawaii’s “White Mountain”