Ford Philippines marks 15-year milestone of Ford Driving Skills For Life in the nation

Ford Philippines has commenced its 15th year of the Ford Driving Skills For Life (DSFL) program, a remarkable milestone in its dedication to road and vehicle safety advocacy. DSFL is a globally recognized safe driving initiative that embodies Ford's commitment to enhancing driver and passenger safety by providing a comprehensive training module and hands-on driving experiences for participants. In the Philippines, DSFL has successfully trained over 33,000 drivers over the past 15 years.

This year's theme, 'Driving Smart. Protecting Lives. Building Safer Roads,' encapsulates the core purpose of DSFL: educating drivers on road safety through up-to-date driving tips, techniques, and practical hands-on training. The program introduces new driving modules for 2023, encompassing various terrains, night driving, navigating floods and rainy conditions, driving with children on board, and sharing the road with cyclists, motorcycle riders, and pedestrians.

The rise in the number of motorcycles and bicycles on the road has emphasized the importance of road-sharing practices for drivers. One of DSFL's new modules equips participants with the knowledge of overall driving dynamics necessary for safer journeys. Additionally, DSFL will continue to cover essential topics relevant to drivers, including basic vehicle dynamics, safe driving technologies, anti-distracted driving strategies, fuel-efficient driving, and updated road rules and regulations.

To support these informative sessions, practical hands-on driving sessions will include exercises in parking, braking, anti-distracted driving techniques, and fuel-efficient driving. EJ Francisco, Communications Director for Ford Philippines and Asia Pacific Distributor Markets, expressed excitement about this year's DSFL edition, highlighting the new modules aimed at enhancing drivers' skills with smart and safe driving tips applicable in their daily lives.

Over the past decade, DSFL has collaborated with various local government agencies, private companies, Ford car clubs, and public transportation groups and providers. In 2022, more than 3,200 public and private drivers participated in DSFL sessions, whether virtually or in person. The program's impact in promoting driver and road safety in the Philippines has been substantial and celebrated as a significant achievement.

The Ford Driving Skills For Life program originated in the United States in 2003, a joint effort of the Ford Motor Company Fund, the U.S. Governors Highway Safety Association, and a panel of safety experts. Its goal was to equip newly licensed drivers with the necessary skills for safe driving beyond what is typically taught in standard driver education programs. In the Philippines, the program is executed by their long-standing partner and training facilitator, Tuason Racing School.