Web-Based Safe Driving Programme Reaches Hundreds of Self-Isolating Students
CRAIOVA, Romania - An online programme promoting safer driving has been delivered to an estimated 800 students from Craiova, Romania - with the support of the Ford Philanthropy.
Under the umbrella of Ford Driving Skills for Life, an online version of BeCool - Think Forward! enlisted expert instructors from Romanian motorsport team Napoca Rally Academy to teach the skill of defensive driving.
It involves reducing road traffic accidents by anticipating situations and making safe, well-informed decisions, based on the driving conditions.
The internet-based course from Ford Romania and Dolj School Inspectorate, dedicated to young people at high schools in Craiova, happened without infringing COVID-19 restrictions on movement.
BeCool was launched in its online form after schools closed their doors to combat the spread of Coronavirus, as part of 'School in another way' week. BeCool - Think Forward! - first launched in 2016 and has reached more than 15,500 students, to date.
Ian Pearson, Ford Romania President and Ford Craiova Site Director, said: "In difficult times like these, Ford, together with Dolj School Inspectorate, wanted to support students with the first free online defensive driving course. The education of future drivers, even in school, is a very important aspect that Ford has focused on.
“Through the programme, BeCool - Think Forward! we are trying to raise awareness regarding the risks associated with reckless driving, and thus contribute to the decrease in the number of victims on the roads of Romania."
Napoca Rally Academy driver Bogdan Marișca said: “We are trying to adapt to these difficult times and to bring to the attention of the students, this time online, quotidian topics of real interest, associated with reckless driving."
Ford Driving Skills for Life was first launched in Romania in 2014 with the support of the National Rally Championship team.
It aims to help young drivers aged 18-24, the category of drivers most exposed to accidents due to lack of driving experience.
