Ford PH highlights family-focused safety driving on its 2018 Driving Skills For Life program

In the seminar, Tuason discussed about the fundamentals of safe and responsible driving. He touched on the most common errors such as distracted driving, lack of discipline on the road, lack of proper education about the Philippine traffic laws and regulations, among others. Using scientific facts, logical approaches, and experience-based lectures, Tuason guided the nearly 100 participants on how to drive safe, responsible, and fuel efficient. Most of those who joined also drive for a living through transport network service (TNVS) companies like OWTO and Grab.

On the other hand, the 2^nd part of the event took the participants out on the field to be taught safe, defensive, and fuel efficient driving via Ford Philippines’ and Tuason Racing School’s team of skilled driving instructors. The hands-on driving test comprised of 3 sections; the Emergency Braking Course, the Handling Course, and the Anti-Distracted Driving Course.

The first course dealt with the participants’ ability to step on the brake in time before hitting the pylon. This is carried out using the latest Ford Everest midsize SUV which has a load of safety features including an anti-lock braking system or ABS.

Meanwhile, the second course saw participants driving a Ford EcoSport around a series of pylons that formed a small slalom course. This highlighted not only the participants’ alertness behind the wheel, but also the EcoSPort’s lightweight and agile nature as an urban vehicle.

Finally, the third course had the participants drive another EcoSport around a test course 2 time; first while being instructed to text or tinker with a smart phone, and second to just concentrate on driving. This helped the participants understand the risks of distracted driving, a primary cause behind the creation of the ADDA or the Anti-Distracted Driving Act.

In his own words, Ford Philippines Assistant Vice President for Communications EJ Francisco was quoted as saying, “We recognize how easy it is for drivers to get distracted while in traffic every day, so our family safety advocacy is a fitting reminder to reinforce the importance of keeping one’s eyes on the road and hands on the wheel while driving. As the global leader in vehicle safety, our class-leading cars, SUVs, and trucks have in-car safety features and technologies that help families get home safely.”

Of course, since the event is for the family, Ford Philippines also set up a small road course for the kids to take. Situated inside the tent area, the road course taught the kids on the basic of traffic rules, road courtesy, and safety. Start them young, as the old adage says.

The Ford Driving Skills For Life is the American Blue Oval brand’s long-running corporate social responsibility program. Established in 2008, the program has since then taught countless drivers about the importance of safe, responsible, and fuel-efficient driving. To date more than 22,000 Pinoy drivers have undergone the program’s modules and courses. This year’s program will run in different regions nationwide. Participation is free to all interested drivers.

Photos by Paolo Lesaca