The onset of New Year brought an increased number of deaths caused by road accidents. Major reasons behind these accidents were road rage, drunken and careless driving. It was observed that 80% of the total victims who die in such accidents are usually in age group of 15-40 which is said to be the productive force of India.
Ford being a responsible carmaker taken up the issue to curb down the number of such accidents. It provides free training under its Driving Skills for Life (DSFL) program. This program covers a classroom session and practical training as well. DFSL program is gaining heat in cities like Mumbai, Chandigarh, Bangalore, New Delhi and Chennai. It has successfully completed 85 sessions, training 3,071 people in this year (in India).
Customers, employees of corporate names such as Genpact and HSBC, college students and other special groups such as members of Chandigarh Press Club and defense personnel are the ones who got trained at this program.
Ford also unveiled ‘First Gear’, a handbook which says a lot about the safe-driving and also provide handy tips for responsible driving.
American carmaker also launched ‘I Pledged to drive Safe’ Campaign on its Facebook page. Through this campaign they are making awareness and also share driving tips. One too can engage in conversation to get firsthand information.
Ford DFSL is now in fifth year of training. It is also running the same kind of programs in countries like China, Indonesia, Taiwan, South Africa, Vietnam and Philippines. Programs have been tailored in different countries to suit their road conditions. Overall 60,000 people have been trained under this program in Asia alone.
Launched in 2009, DFSL has already trained 7,000 people in India. It is now going to do it in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities as well.