‘Driving Skills for Life’ Programme by Ford comes to Malaysia

KULA LUMPUR: With its local distribution partner Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC), Malaysia, Ford recently offered safe driver training and road safety awareness to corporate partners and the public. This is part of the automakers’ 15th globally successful ‘Driving Skills for Life’ (DSFL) programme.

More than 50 licensed drivers from the company’s corporate partners that included telecommunications, utility companies and highway maintenance became part of the free two half-day workshops at the Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang (MAEPS).

More than 43 percent of Malaysian drivers use their mobile phones while driving, according to the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS). This makes almost half of all the Malaysian drivers putting themselves and others at risk while driving or more aptly while being on the phone.

Both the companies, Ford and SDAC believe that Ford’s ‘Driving Skills for Life’ programme will help all drivers become more careful and alert while being behind the steering wheel. This in turn would definitely bring down the road accident rates.

The DSFL workshops mainly aim to address various driver risks. These include dealing with unexpected circumstances, speed and space management. They also aim to raise awareness on distracted driving that is caused by using mobile phones while driving or due to tiredness as well.

“Ford Driving Skills for Life provides Malaysian drivers with the tools and resources needed for safe driving. Road safety is a very serious issue and we take pride in our ability to help reinforce this message among Malaysian motorists,” said Syed Ahmad Muzri Syed Faiz, Managing Director, Sime Darby Auto Connexion.

The programme is usually conducted through a little bit of both, i.e., classroom and practical training. Drivers are given a hands-on driving experience in this manner.

Dangers of driving under influence (alcohol or medication) were also incorporated in the programme. This bit included simulation. Here, participants were made to wear specially designed goggles that impair the movement, coordination and alertness through simulation.

DSFL is Ford’s flagship global corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme and is funded by the Ford Motor Company Fund, which is the philanthropic arm of the Ford Motor Company. Within its 15 successful years, the programme has trained more than 1 million individuals in safe driving practices till date.