OFFICIAL NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release

On January 27, 2020, Lieutenant Eric Becnel, from the Plaquemines Parish Sheriff's Office (PPSO), was one of 14 new Louisiana CarFit Technicians certified during a training event at the Charles R. Kelly Community Center in Baton Rouge. Currently, there are 51 certified CarFit Technicians statewide.

CarFit is a national program, developed by AAA, AARP and the American Occupational Therapy Association, designed to help older drivers and their families.

By 2030, there will be an estimated 58.9 million people age 65 and older. This group is expected to represent 1 in 4 licensed drivers at that time. As the body ages, changes to vision, flexibility, strength, range of motion and even size and height make drivers less comfortable and reduce control behind the wheel of a vehicle. Certified CarFit technicians are trained to properly fit seniors in the vehicles they operate.

A Plaquemines Parish CarFit event is scheduled for Friday, March 27, 2020, from 1pm - 4pm at the Belle Chasse YMCA, located at 8101 Highway 23. Please contact the Belle Chasse YMCA at 504-392-9622 or stop in to schedule a free, 20-minute appointment.

In addition to the Belle Chasse CarFit event in March, Child Passenger Safety Seat events are currently being planned. Information will be provided once the events are finalized.

"Last year, PPSO responded to 541 reported vehicular crashes in Plaquemines Parish which included four fatalities," said Sheriff Gerald A. Turlich, Jr. "In comparison, PPSO reported 505 crimes to the FBI under the uniformed crime report (UCR). The annual FBI UCR consists of homicides, rape, robberies, assaults, burglaries and thefts. It will continue to be a priority to constantly train and educate ourselves in order to provide services that better protect our residents."

Any caretaker or expecting parents wishing to have their child safety seat installed or checked for proper installation, or any senior who is unable to make the March 27 CarFit event, is asked to contact Lieutenant Becnel at 504-934-6904 to schedule an appointment. These services are provided free of charge.

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Contact Information:
Lieutenant Chaun Domingue
Public Information Officer
Office: 504-934-6785
cdomingue@ppso.net