Ford Motor Company continued its efforts to raise road safety awareness in Malaysia through its global Driving Skills for Life (DSFL) programme, as more than 70 students from Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) participated in two half-day DSFL workshops.
This DSFL event was organized in partnership with Ford’s local distributor partner, Sime Darby Auto Connexion.
The DSFL workshops are provided free-of-charge, with the university sessions being specially tailored to address the risks that young drivers face on the road, such as dealing with unexpected scenarios, distracted driving caused by mobile phone use, hazard recognition, speed management and the importance of ensuring child seats are securely fastened.
“Driving Skills for Life is a hands-on driver training programme focused on raising awareness of driver and road safety. We are proud to raise awareness of road safety among younger drivers and help reduce the number of vehicle accidents and make the roads safer for everyone,” said Syed Ahmad Muzri Syed Faiz, managing director, Sime Darby Auto Connexion.
DSFL sessions start in the classroom, with participants learning a range of topics from steering control, to speed/space management, distraction awareness and fuel-saving tips. Participants then move outside for a hands-on driving session to apply the learnings.
An emphasis on the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol or medication was also incorporated as part of the programme. This included having participants wear specially designed goggles that help simulate the experience of driving while movement, coordination and alertness are impaired.
“Being a newly licensed driver, my confidence increased after attending this event. The session really helped me with skills to stay calm even when in emergency situations – and I learned how to appropriately apply ABS braking without losing control,” said one of the participants.
Another student added, “DSFL was an eye opener and it is a fantastic programme. Before attending the workshop, I never knew the right way to hold the steering wheel or how to manoeuvre a vehicle safely through corners. The instructors made learning about safe driving skills fun, and I will definitely recommend my friends join.”
DSFL is Ford’s flagship global corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme. In Asia, Ford DSFL is now in its tenth successful year of training licensed drivers of all ages, free-of-charge. More than 85,000 drivers have participated across six countries in the ASEAN region, including Thailand, Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia,
Malaysia and Myanmar.
