Ford and its Malaysian distributors, Sime Darby Auto ConneXion (SDAC), recently launched Ford’s flagship safe driver training programme, Driving Skills for Life (DSFL) for the first time ever over in Sabah, East Malaysia. They had over 80 customers and invited guests participate in a half day workshop where they learnt safe driving behavior and more as part of Ford's initiative to promote road safety in Malaysia.
Ford and SDAC organised four training sessions on the weekend of 16-17 November 2019. The workshops were held in conjunction with the ‘Carlist.my DRIVE: Off-road Edition 2019’ event. With the larger crowd, it allowed more people to learn about the DSFL programme and gain safe-driving information., as well as promote the Ford brand of course.
The DSFL workshop consists of classroom and practical sessions which took place at the SDAC Kota Kinabalu Branch and Likas Stadium respectively. The workshop is free-of-charge, and the programme aims to raise awareness of road safety, and aid the reduction of traffic fatalities and injuries, by helping educate drivers on the skills and techniques needed to drive more safely. The participants got to drive the Ford Ranger around cones and taught proper driving techniques.
This is necessary as Malaysians somehow seem to automatically forget a lot of road traffic laws and also lose a lot of common sense or courtesy when driving. And there is also a lack of skill which could be addressed at workshops like these. We are serious here! Do read on folks....
According to statistics, Malaysia has one of the highest vehicle ownership rates in the region. [1] Even though East Malaysia has less vehicles on the road, fatal road accidents are on the rise there as with non-compliance to traffic and road safety regulations considered the main contributing factor. [2] - Many fail to see the need to drive safely from the likes of it so it is good that Ford and SDAC have chosen this programme as their Corporate Social Responsibility initiative.
“At Ford and SDAC, we are committed to equipping Malaysians with safe driving knowledge, and that’s why we have decided to bring this programme to East Malaysia,” said Syed Ahmad Muzri Syed Faiz, Managing Director, Sime Darby Auto ConneXion.
“Ford’s DSFL programme provides the know-how to help drivers understand a number of unpredictable scenarios that could happen on the road, while also equipping them with the tools to tackle potentially dangerous situations accordingly.”
About Ford's Driving Skills for Life (DSFL)
The workshops addressed various driver risks with classroom and practical training focused on four main areas:
Distractions - Making smart decisions behind the wheel to limit distractions such as mobile phone usage, and staying focused on the task of driving
Hazard recognition - How to scan the road ahead for potential dangers, particularly approaching intersections and safety zones
Speed and space management - Learning how to adjust speed to maintain safe space around, ahead, and behind a vehicle while avoiding being rear-ended
Vehicle handling - Understanding the vehicle’s capability and learning to better control it by leveraging its safety features such as Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Semi-Automatic Parallel Parking (SAPP), Forward Collision Warning and Lane Departure Warning
There is an emphasis on the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol or medication was also
incorporated as part of the programme. This included having participants wear specially designed goggles that help simulate the experience of driving while movement, coordination, and alertness are impaired.
According to more statistics collected, the latest numbers from the World Health Organisation (WHO) highlight that around 1.35 million people lose their lives in road accidents each year, while between 20 and 50 million others suffer non-fatal injuries, with many incurring a disability. [3] Worryingly, WHO’s statistics indicate that road traffic injuries are currently the leading cause of death in the world for children and young adults aged between 5-29.
Now in its 16 th year, Ford Driving Skills for Life has provided free training to more than one million newly-licensed drivers in 40 countries, which equates to an investment of more than $50 million, highlighting Ford’s commitment to promoting safety on the road.
It is definitely good that Ford is doing this. At least there is a chance that those that participated will not end up as a statistic that will end up on a report.
[1] “Driving And Mobile Phone Use”
[2] Sabah State Police Commission
[3] Global Status Report on Road Safety
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