Earning your first driver's license is a milestone event for a teenager.
It can also be one of the most dangerous times in their young life.
Traffic accidents are the leading cause of death for people ages 15 to 20 with nearly 6,000 teens killed each year in vehicle crashes. Ford Driving Skills for Life (DFSL) is a teen safety program designed to help reduce those numbers by teaching new drivers essential skills in key areas that contribute to more than half of all teen crashes. At a recent event in Columbus, Ohio, students learned about distracted driving and hazard recognition, vehicle handling, space management and speed control.
"We are excited that more than 400 teens in Ohio enrolled in this critical hands-on training with professional driving instructors," said Jim Graham, Community Relations Manager, Ford Motor Company Fund. "This innovative program and the tools it provides are saving lives."
During the Ford DSFL program, teen drivers learn advanced safe-driving skills on a course that reflects the dangerous realities of reckless driving, speeding, maneuvering around obstacles, skid control, recovery and in-car hazards. The specially equipped course and vehicles let the teen drivers experience the worst the road has to offer in a safe, controlled environment.
“It’s about preparing our teens for a lifetime of safe driving," said Jim Clay, Westfield Insurance. "Ford's program is excellent and we’re happy to be a partner.”
Ford DSFL Ride and Drive events take place throughout the year in locations across the United States. In addition to hands-on lessons, there is an interactive web site www.drivingskillsforlife.com that includes a learning module, quizzes, games and car care videos.
