Kingsport seniors fitted to cars, prepped in case of accidents

KINGSPORT, Tenn. (WJHL) — Senior citizens in Kingsport saw how well-suited their vehicles were to them Monday and took steps to make sure they could receive care in case of an accident.

The Kingsport Senior Center hosted a CarFit and Yellow Dot program at the Kingsport Renaissance Center from 9 a.m. until noon. The Tennessee Trucking Association presented the free event to all senior citizens ages 50 and up.

CarFit is a program that checks to see how well a vehicle pairs with an older adult driver. The checks take roughly 20 minutes and aim to improve comfort and safety for the driver.

“The CarFit takes care of you and your car, making sure that you know the safety features inside your car,” said Cyndi Sliger of the Tennessee Road Team.

To participate in the Yellow Dot program, drivers fill out a medical information sheet that remains in their vehicle to aid in the event of an accident. The sheet contains vital information such as emergency contacts, medical conditions, current medications, insurance and hospital information.

A Yellow Dot decal is then placed on the driver’s side rear window for EMTs and other first responders to see, letting them know to look for the medical information sheet and make an informed decision.

“You don’t have to worry about being a Jane Doe,” Sliger said. “All your information is right there to take them to the hospital with you.”

Sliger said participating in the Yellow Dot program saves precious time for first responders at the scene of a crash.

“As a driver, I’ve come upon accidents, and purses are thrown everywhere, cell phones and they’re not sure who is in the car,” Sliger said. “Your friend may be driving your car, but this will help out with that, knowing who’s who.”

To learn more about enrolling in the Yellow Dot program in Tennessee, click here .

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