Ford Philippines has marked a significant milestone as it initiates the 15th year of the Ford Driving Skills For Life (DSFL) program in the country. The DSFL program, a globally recognized initiative focusing on road and vehicle safety, underlines Ford’s unwavering commitment to promoting driver and passenger safety through a comprehensive training module and hands-on driving exercises for participants. Over the last fifteen years, DSFL has successfully trained more than 33,000 drivers in the Philippines.
The theme for this year’s program revolves around ‘Driving Smart. Protecting Lives. Building Safer Roads,’ encapsulating the core essence of DSFL by educating drivers about the paramount importance of road safety through the latest safe driving tips, techniques, and practical hands-on driving experiences.
New driving modules introduced for this year encompass driving on diverse terrains, driving at night, navigating through floods and rainy weather, driving with children on board, and sharing the road with cyclists, motorcycle riders, and pedestrians.
The growing presence of motorcycles and bicycles on the roads has accentuated the necessity of road-sharing practices among drivers. A new DSFL module equips participants with comprehensive knowledge of overall driving dynamics required for safer journeys.
Furthermore, DSFL will continue to cover essential topics pertinent to drivers, including basic vehicle dynamics, safe driving technologies, anti-distracted driving strategies, fuel-efficient driving practices, and updates on road rules and regulations.
The instructional lectures will be complemented by hands-on practical driving sessions, featuring exercises such as 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 launch, highlighting the introduction of new modules designed to enhance drivers’ skills with smart and safe driving tips and techniques that can be applied daily. Francisco also acknowledged the significant impact DSFL has had on promoting driver and road safety in the Philippines over the past fifteen years, thanking partners and participants for their support and collaboration.
For over a decade, the DSFL program 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, both virtual and in-person.
The Driving Skills for Life program was initially established in the United States in 2003 by Ford Motor Company Fund, the U.S. Governors Highway Safety Association, and a panel of safety experts. Its goal is to equip newly licensed drivers with the necessary skills for safe driving beyond what is typically learned in standard driver education programs. In the Philippines, DSFL is conducted by long-time partner and training facilitator, Tuason Racing School.
The official launch of DSFL in the Philippines marks the culmination of the Ford Global Month of Caring, celebrated annually every September by Ford employees and volunteers worldwide.
