Reading, writing and arithmetic are important classes taught in schools around the world. They provide basic, building-block skills that will benefit students for a lifetime.

The lessons will not, however, help young drivers fix a flat tire on a country road that is miles from home.

Ford's Ready, Safe, Drive! does that.

Ford Motor Company Fund, in partnership with SafeSmartWomen (S2W), created Ready, Safe, Drive! car care events to teach girls of driving age some of the basics of vehicle safety, maintenance and even the proper names for parts of a car or truck.

During a recent Ready, Safe Drive! event in Puerto Rico, 75 young women between the ages of 15 and 20 participated in a hands-on safety workshop at Alberic Ford. Professional auto technicians taught the girls practical skills, such as changing a tire and checking the oil, while safety advocates shared life-saving tips on how to protect themselves if they are stranded in a broken-down vehicle. The students from three area schools also learned about the importance of avoiding distractions while driving.

"We refuse to take the back seat when it comes to driver and passenger safety," said Rebecca Cabrera, marketing manager, Ford Central America and Caribbean region. "We were excited to help equip these young women with the resources and skills to be safe on the road."

Traffic accidents are the leading cause of death for young drivers. Ford and S2W have reached more than 600 young women with Ready, Safe, Drive! The program is generally taught to high school age drivers, but was successfully expanded this year to include college age women.