Ford Launches Global ‘Driving Skills for Life’ Program in Cambodia to Raise Awareness of Safe Driving
January 26th, 2018 Phnom Penh – Ford Motor Company and RMA Cambodia today launched its global corporate social responsibility (CSR) program, Driving Skills for Life (DSFL) in Cambodia, with the first sessions taking place in Kampong Chhnang province from January 26th-27th.
Cambodia is the 40th country to launch Driving Skills for Life, as more than 100 licensed drivers including civil servants, truck drivers from the public and private companies, Ford customers and members of the community participated in four half-day DSFL workshops free-of-charge.
The DSFL program aims to raise awareness of road safety, and help to reduce traffic fatalities and injuries by educating drivers on the skills and techniques of defensive driving.
The training sessions address various driver risks, such as dealing with unexpected scenarios, distracted driving caused by mobile phone use, hazard recognition and speed management.
Organized in partnership with Ford’s Exclusive Distributor, RMA Cambodia, trainers from the RMA Academy who were coached by Ford’s global DSFL team, are conducting the DSFL training at an unused military airport.
œRoad safety is a very serious issue, and also one that is highly relevant to our business. We feel road safety is part of our corporate responsibility, and are proud to launch Driving Skills for Life training to help raise awareness of safe driving practices and techniques, making the roads safer for everyone, said Truong Kim Phong, Managing Director, Asia Pacific Emerging Markets, Ford Motor Company.
The program is conducted through a mix of classroom and practical training sessions where participants are offered a hands-on driving experience.
œIn developing countries like Cambodia, motorization is happening so quickly that road traffic injuries and deaths are a fast-increasing cause for concern. People are taking to the road in ever-greater numbers, usually without the training to drive properly or the fundamental understanding of driving skills. Driver training, education and public awareness are critical to making a real difference, said Seng Voeung, General Manager, RMA Cambodia.
An emphasis on the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol or medication is incorporated into the program. This includes having participants wear special goggles that simulate the experience of being drunk, impairing their movements, coordination and alertness.
œWe are so pleased to add Cambodia to the list of 40 countries around the world where we offer the Ford Driving Skills for Life program, said Jim Vella, President, Ford Motor Company Fund – the philanthropic arm of Ford Motor Company. œThe program is now in its fifteenth year globally and has to date trained more than 1 million newly-licensed drivers, which equates to an investment of more than $40 million that Ford has committed to promoting road safety.
