Investing on the next-generation drivers

DSFL’s eco-driving training includes anticipating road conditions and applying fuel-efficient driving technique.

If someone asks if you are a safe driver what do you usually answer? Do you get angry when a slow driver is on the wheel? If someone cuts you off do you chase him to get even? When you’re late do you tailgate and honk your horn? Do you text while driving? Does yellow in the traffic light means you have to go faster?

If you say yes to any of the questions above, maybe it’s time to rethink if you really are a safe driver.

Unfortunately for Filipinos, driving is not part of our education system.  Although everyone feels the importance of it after we hear of horror stories as a consequence to bad driving, we put little emphasis on how we should be better on the road. Most of us are just taught by Manong or an elderly sibling on how to operate the machine, and just making sure you don’t get your front bumper on somebody else’s rear.

There is such a thing as science behind safety driving. It’s not just starting the car and putting into gear. While we all know we need to buckle our seatbelts, follow the speed limit and not drive drunk, we rarely know the logic of such practice, like how much more stopping time is needed if you go 5 Km above the speed limit, such minute differences can make a whole lot of difference to somebody’s life.

Ford Group Philippines, together with Tuason Racing School, has reached out to more than 20,000 drivers since 2005 and has been to more than 60 schools through the Driving Skills for Life (DSFL) Program. Driving Skills for Life (DSFL) was established in the United States in 2003 by the not-for-profit Ford Motor Company Fund, the US Governors Highway Safety Association, and a panel of safety experts, to teach newly licensed drivers the necessary skills for safe driving beyond what is learned in standard driver education programs. In the Philippines, the program includes effort with customers and Fleet through the dealerships seminars and hands on training and the new generation drivers through a 15-leg school tour for 2011. The components include hourlong seminars for all driving levels to a hands-on training for new and advance drivers through their Drive Camps.

Ford recently gave some media friends and family a chance to experience first hand the DSFL Program. Both jaded and novice drivers were given a chance to learn or review parallel parking, driving in tight corners, among others. They were also subjected to TRS’s beer goggles, a device that mimics the feeling of being drunk. The participant is asked to wear the goggles and try to walk in a straight line. The program is conducted light yet very informative.

BEER goggles mimic the feeling of being drunk. DON’T drink and drive was the strong message imparted.

DSFL’s eco-driving training includes anticipating road conditions, applying fuel-efficient driving techniques, avoiding speeding and keeping a vehicle properly maintained for optimal fuel economy. Safe driving skills focus on the use of safety belts, recognizing and anticipating changing traffic conditions, avoiding distraction and maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles in traffic.

In today’s cultural climate, the level of understanding for the driving public is increasing with the onset of concerns for the environment, which is mirrored in consumer goods and product market. Even Jollibee is making fast food healthy by adding carrots to chicken nuggets.   Consumers now understand the need for conscious living and products are acknowledging the fact that the buying public has a higher level of intelligence. This emergence has made this program more acceptable and is being embraced by the schools by including this in their curriculum.  Ford pioneered a lot of safety mechanisms for the car, but they also pioneered a deeper level of teaching road safety, to their customer and the next generation of drivers. According to Anika Salceda-Wycoco, VP for communication, “we take our commitment to safety a step further by providing world-class vehicles tour our customers and equipping them with the right skills to be responsible drivers. As we engage more current and future drivers with our DSFL Campaign, we hope to make a positive contribution to road safety in the Philippines.”

PARALLEL parking and driving in tight corners are part of the program basics.

FORD DSFL

Top 10 Tips

Drive Safely

1. Use safety/restraining belts at all times

2. Adjust rear and side-view mirrors for clear sight

3. Drive relaxed and anticipate traffic situations

4. Avoid distractions, including mobile phone use

5. Maintain a safe 3-second distance between other vehicles

Drive Economically

6. Change gears to drive at low engine speed (rpm)

7. Use the vehicle’s momentum built-up energy to reduce fuel use

8. Switch off the engine selectively

9. Check and adjust tire pressures regularly

10. Remove unnecessary weight, such as roof racks, rear racks, etc.