"We have a big ageing population in Wairarapa, and this helps them stay independent through driving."
The CarFit programme began in the USA, but has been gradually implemented throughout New Zealand by the AA.
Seniors are advised to adjust seat height to ensure a maximum view of the road, seatbelt fit and steering wheel position for greater comfort and mirror position to check blindspots, as well as how to use modern safety features, such as ABS braking and crash protection systems.
For example, said Mr Pauling, many older drivers sit too far forward in proximity to the steering wheel - risking injury from air bag release.
A poorly fitted seatbelt can result in too much pressure around the neck causing the head to droop, taking the driver's attention from the road.
"Our older drivers are less likely to speed or to drink and drive - but if they're involved in an accident, they take longer to recover.
"We want older people to be driving for longer, but driving safer."
Drivers are also assessed by occupational therapists to see if they need other vehicle modifications.
AA programme facilitator Peter Sheppard said his older clients, despite having driven for years, were often unaware of these safety tips.
He said older people have been excluded from driver safety education, as it had been considered ineffective in the past.
"There were studies coming out saying driver education didn't work, so that generation was put off," Mr Sheppard said.
"We now know those studies are incorrect.
"It's only really been pushed in the last few years - so seniors are getting a refresher."
He has also noticed seniors are unaware of certain road safety rules.
"They'll say, 'I haven't read the road code in 50 years', so I'll tell them to pick up a recent copy.
"I often hear them say, 'I never knew that - I'll let my son know'."
Mr Pauling said WRSC hoped to run CarFit courses on a regular basis.
