Ford Motor Company continued its global Driving Skills for Life (DSFL) campaign in Myanmar through a series of workshops aimed at raising awareness of safe driving techniques and driver safety.
From 25-27 June, Ford hosted six half-day DSFL workshops to emphasise the importance of safe driving skills for motorists in Myanmar.
“Driving Skills for Life is designed to equip people with the skills they need to be better, safer drivers. Road safety is a very serious issue, and we feel it is our responsibility to help reinforce this message among Myanmar motorists,” said David Westerman, managing director, Asia Pacif-ic Emerging Markets, Ford Motor Company.
Ford introduced DSFL in Myanmar last year, which includes classroom training and hands-on driving sessions.
In addition to the program’s core content, an emphasis on the dangers of driving under the influ-ence of alcohol was incorporated this year, including having participants wear specially designed gear that helps simulate the experience of driving while movement, coordination and alertness are impaired.
According to Myanmar’s Traffic Rule Enforcement Supervisory Committee, on average 11 peo-ple die on Myanmar’s roads each day, with most accidents on city streets being caused by speed-ing, unsafe overtaking, drunk driving and lack of driving experience.
“As vehicle ownership in Myanmar increases, the number of traffic accidents, unfortunately does too. So it is imperative for us to educate the current and next generation of drivers about driving safely. Training, education and public awareness are key,” said Mike Pease, general manager, Capital Automotive.
DSFL was organised in partnership with Ford’s local dealer partner, Capital Automotive Ltd, and the RMA Group. Trainers from the RMA Academy led the DSFL training, alongside local dealership staff who have been trained by Ford’s global DSFL team.
In Asia, Ford DSFL is now in its eighth year of training licensed drivers of all ages. In addition to Myanmar, DSFL training is provided in China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines.
