KUALA LUMPUR: Ford Motor Company continued its efforts to raise road safety awareness in Malaysia through its free global Driving Skills for Life programme.

More than 70 students from Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (Utar) participated in the two half-day training workshops organised in partnership with local distributor Sime Darby Auto Connexion.

The sessions held at the university sessions have been tailored to address the risks young drivers face on the road that include 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 Sime Darby Auto Connexion managing director Syed Ahmad Muzri Syed Faiz.

The training session started 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 knowledge. An emphasis on the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol or medication was also added to  the programme. This involved having participants wear specially designed goggles that help simulate the experience of driving while movement, co-ordination 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, “Driving Skills for Life 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.”

Driving Skills for Life is Ford’s flagship global corporate social responsibility programme.

In Asia, the programme is now in its 10th year of training licensed drivers of all ages, free-of- charge.

More than 85,000 drivers have taken part across six countries in the Asean region, including Thailand, Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia and Myanmar.



 

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