Ford reminds us why Driving Skills help save lives

By MUMLOLOUK payday loans

19 September 2011

Ford reminds us why Driving Skills help save lives

Words and photos by Christopher Kho
 
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For the past six years, Ford Group Philippines (FGP) has been on the road pitching its Driving Skills for Life (DSFL) campaign in schools, colleges, and private corporations. To date, the program has successfully trained more than 20,000 participants on the importance of road safety. As part of its first batch of students, I've attended well over a dozen of DSFL's classroom lessons and practically memorized each page of its presentation like the back of my hand. But no matter how repetitive it may sound, I always learn something new and make it a point to listen as a personal reminder to my responsibility as a road user.
 
Road safety is a subject matter that should never be taken lightly. Last year alone, the Metro Manila Accident Reporting and Analysis System (MMARAS) reported 18,810 traffic accidents, 7,670 of which involved fatality or injury. And in an occupation that mainly involves driving, we might just put ourselves and others at risk whenever we go on the road. That's why Ford took the initiative to host a special DSFL seminar just for us motoring media last week at the Ortigas Home Depot in Pasig City. The half-day course included a one-hour lecture on safe, smart, and fuel-efficient driving habits followed by a hands-on training on parallel parking and eco-driving using the Ford Fiesta and Focus.
 
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“As part of this year’s DSFL program, we decided to invite our friends from the media and their loved ones to participate in a seminar, and see just how simple it is to be a safe, smart and fuel efficient driver. With our Driving Skills for Life campaign, we hope to do our part in promoting road safety across the region and closer to home,” said Anika Salceda-Wycoco, FGP’s AVP for Communications. 
 
Road Safety
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Unlike safe sex which only requires wearing a condom, being a safe driver doesn't just involve wearing a seatbelt. Especially when driving on the Philippines' notorious roads, an accident can be waiting for you just around the corner. We can blame road conditions, other drivers, pedestrians, or even poor governance; but in reality, road safety should begin with ourselves. 
 
Most of us know what road signs and lane markings mean, but do we really follow them? Oblivious to their purpose, some don't understand the fact that they're put up for our own safety. Traffic laws should be observed no matter where we are, what time it is, or even if a traffic enforcer is present or not. Sadly, there are those who can't even identify what a road sign is and shouldn't be on the road in the first place.
 
Other major causes of road accidents include over-speeding, drunk driving, and use of mobile phones.
 
Here are Ford's Top 5 DSFL driving tips to become a safer driver:

Tip 1. Use safety / restraining belts at all times
Tip 2. Adjust rear and side-view mirrors for clear sight
Tip 3. Drive relaxed and anticipate traffic situations
Tip 4. Avoid distractions, including mobile phone use
Tip 5. Maintain a safe 3-second distance between other vehicles
 
Driving Skills for Life
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It is important to realize that being a careful driver is not the same as being a safe driver. Just because we hold a driver's license and take caution while driving doesn't mean that we're educated drivers and most certainly does not guarantee us from accidents. It's about time for us to start being responsible and become a safe driver, because it can help save lives.
 
Ford's Driving Skills for Life (DSFL) is conducted in collaboration with Tuason Racing School (TRS) and offers free courses in both classroom and practical training to help educate road users of all ages on safe and smart driving practices. Currently, the DFSL program is on a University Tour and targets to visit 15 colleges and universities in the Philippines by year's end.
 
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