Ford Driving Skills for Life Continues to Offer Safety Resources During Coronavirus Pandemic
The ability of Ford Driving Skills for Life (Ford DSFL) to adapt has been a hallmark of the program since its launch. The enhancements in our virtual training efforts are just the latest examples of how we will do what it takes to make free, professional driver training available to all, despite the circumstances.
A signature program of Ford Philanthropy, Ford DSFL teaches newly licensed teen drivers crucial skills for safe driving beyond what they learn in standard driver education programs. Now in its 17th year, Ford Philanthropy has invested more than $50 million to provide free, advanced driver education to more than 1 million people worldwide through the program.
Ford DSFL is a global leader when it comes to providing hands-on training for new drivers, but due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, all global hands-on events have been postponed until further notice.
In an effort to adapt and continue to reach new drivers and their parents, even in uncertain times, the program has gone virtual by offering multiple online training options for free. The Academy offers virtual driver training through 5 learning units which include a total of 21 videos - each less than six minutes long. The learning units include vehicle handling, hazard recognition, proper driving position, and speed and space management. After going through each unit and completing a series of short quizzes, users have the opportunity to download and print a certificate of completion.
Recently, we expanded on The Academy training to offer The Daily Drive, a video series where professional driving instructor Mike Speck delivers teen driving safety tips and instruction as well as community awareness campaign ideas and personal stories of tragedy that have led to advocacy. You can find The Daily Drive on Facebook and YouTube and wherever you listen to podcasts.
Through the years we have learned that parent engagement is key when training a new driver. We recommend parents and teens go through The Academy and watch The Daily Drive video series or listen to the podcast together, then continue the conversation at the dinner table.
Globally, Craiova, Romania offered BeCool - Think Forward!, their hands-on training program, for the first time in an internet-based course, after schools had closed their doors to combat the spread of COVID-19. The online training enlisted driving instructors from Romanian motorsport team Napoca Rally Academy to teach the skill of defensive driving.
In Germany, virtual racers are using computer games to help young drivers stay safe on Europe’s roads. The new initiative involves the expert virtual racers using realistic mechanics of computer games to show driving scenarios with and without real-life skills applied, such as speed management and hazard awareness.
As our in-person Ford DSFL programs are paused, the Ford Philanthropy has been working diligently to provide relief throughout the pandemic to communities in need.
To learn more about the global programs, The Academy and The Daily Drive, please visit www.DrivingSkillsforLife.com.
Stay safe and stay healthy!
Sincerely,
Jim Graham
Ford Driving Skills for Life Global Manager
