Ford Driving Skills For Life is a program aimed at teens with wheel time under their belts. Participating teen drivers learn about skid control, evasive lane changing, and much more. The program also covers covers hazard recognition, vehicle handling, speed management, space management, and distracted and impaired driving.
Ford Driving Skills For Life
The program has two daily sessions and is prepared to handle 100 teens per session. The drivers spend 1/2 hour at each exercise. On the simulated impaired driving course, Fatal Vision Goggles which provide a blurred-vision scenario simulating alcohol’s effects on vision. On the distracted driving course, teen drivers first maneuver through the cones as they normally would, then they try again while texting and driving.
I was not able to get behind the wheel and drive because the instructor said my son was too young to be in the car with me. But, my son did not want to stay with the Ford instructor while I got in the car. However, I did observe three teens going through the different courses. The young drivers looked excited to get behind the wheel and I could just picture them going back home and sharing this experience with all of their friends and family.
I spoke with Todd Cook, one of Ford’s Driving Instructors, and asked what are the top three reasons for teen driving accidents. He stated inexperience, distractions, and too many other kids in the car. Yet, the kids that were able to experience Ford’s Driving Skills For Life course now have skills that may one day save their life or the lives of other drivers. They have the knowledge they need to control a skidding vehicle, etc. How many young drivers (or adult drivers for that matter) can say that?!
“Ford DSFL teaches newly licensed teens safe driving skills beyond standard driver’s ed programs through hands-on driver training events and an interactive website with free resources, videos & games.” – From the Ford DSFL brochure.
Learning Vital Driving Skills
I think this is an excellent program and I wish every state would make this (or something just like it) mandatory before teens get a driver’s license. I watched teens practicing evasive lane changes, something I know they’ve never had a chance to do out on the road. If this type of training was available nationwide, I truly feel we wouldn’t lose as many teens to driving fatalities. As a parent, I want my kids to experience this kind of training. In fact, I wanted to get behind the wheel and learn all I could!
People need to know about this program and, when it comes to their city, they need to run – not walk – to sign up their teens. I applaud Ford for everything they are doing for our teens, for showing they care, and for empowering youth through their programs.
To find out how your family can join in the Ford Driving Skills for Life program, visit the official site to see where the 2015 Summer Tour is headed next!
** Thanks to Lynda at Mixed Blessings for covering this event for me.
Ford invited me to this event and I was compensated for my participation in sharing the experience. All opinions are that of the contributor.
