Ford DSFL Reaches Out to More Young Drivers in More Places

Students in Dubai sign up for DSFL.

The skills needed to drive safely cross all borders and translate into any language

Ford Driving Skills for Life (DSFL) continues to cover more ground and train more people from the United States to Asia, Africa and the Middle East.

Ford DSFL recently launched in the UAE, where the World Health Organization (WHO) reports roads are among the deadliest anywhere. Ford DSFL will visit universities and professional instructors will share special skills and tips on safe driving practices. The training goes well beyond the lessons learned in standard driver education programs.

“The Ford Driving Skills for Life program is designed to leave a lasting impression on young people and ultimately make them safer drivers,” said Larry Prein, managing director, Ford Middle East. “Inexperience is the leading cause of crashes in young drivers, and this program delivers the key skill sets that will help increase their knowledge and confidence”

The WHO estimates that by 2020, road traffic injuries will be the third leading cause of disability-adjusted life years lost in the Middle East. Ford Driving Skills for Life engages young drivers and addresses four key areas that are critical factors in vehicle accidents. These include distractions, hazard recognition, vehicle handling, speed and space management. These situations pose the most problems for young drivers and play a role in more than half of the vehicle crashes involving young people worldwide.

DSFL launched in United Arab Emirates.

The Ford DSFL training sessions are offered free of charge and focus on potentially dangerous driving situations. The program is adaptable to meet the needs of different countries from heavier traffic with first-time car buyers in Vietnam to rugged terrain in Indonesia and snowy roads in parts of China. As conditions vary from place to place, Ford DSFL training can help drivers safely cope with flooded streets, changing elevations, slippery roads and other potential emergency situations.    

“Ford vehicles are smarter and safer than ever before, and this added layer of training and skill development will give drivers an important edge in driving safely and responsibly,” said Jim Graham, manager, Ford DSFL. “Ford’s commitment to accident prevention knows no boundaries.”

In 2012, Ford Asia Pacific and Africa (APA) trained 13,500 people, including drivers in India, the Philippines, South Africa, Taiwan and Thailand. Since 2008, more than 63,500 people have taken Ford DSFL training in the region, where unique driver safety campaigns such as “I Pledge to Driver Safe” and “No Honking” have taken root to address local safety concerns. In 2013, Ford APA has plans to enroll another 14,000 people in DSFL courses.

Ford DSFL also has captured the attention of government transportation agencies, traffic safety organizations and law enforcement. In many countries, Ford is partnering with its dealers, community groups and media to increase awareness of traffic safety issues and drive Ford DSFL training to more people.

DSFL in Vietnam.

“RTA commends the efforts of Ford Middle East in spearheading ‘Driving Skills for Life’,” said Eng. Maitha Bin Adai, CEO of the Road & Transport Authority’s (RTA) Traffic and Roads Agency. “As its name suggests, the information to be acquired in this program is going to be indispensable and necessary for driving and road conduct. We give our full support for this initiative.”

Ford Driving Skills for Life was created in 2003 by Ford Motor Company, the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) and a panel of safety experts. The 2013 U.S. National Tour began in San Diego.