OREANDA-NEWS. Last week, Ford Motor Company continued its global Driving Skills for Life (DSFL) campaign in Myanmar through a serious of workshops aimed at raising awareness of safe driving techniques and driver safety.

From June 25-27, Ford hosted six half-day DSFL workshops—provided free-of-charge—to emphasise the importance of safe driving skills for motorists in Myanmar. More than 100 civil servants, media, Ford customers and members of the public participated.

“DSFLis designed to equip people with the skills they need to be better, safer drivers. Road safety is a very serious issue, and we feel it is our responsibility to help reinforce this message among Myanmar motorists,” said David Westerman, managing director, Asia Pacific Emerging Markets, Ford Motor Company.

Ford introduced DSFL in Myanmar last year, which includes comprehensive classroom training and hands-on driving sessions.

In addition to the program’s core content, an emphasis on the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol will be incorporated this year, including having participants wear specially designed gear that helps simulate the experience of driving while movement, coordination and alertness are impaired.

According to Myanmar’s Traffic Rule Enforcement Supervisory Committee, on average 11 people die on Myanmar’s roads each day, with most accidents on city streets being caused by speeding, unsafe overtaking, drunk driving and lack of driving experience.

“As vehicle ownership in Myanmar increases, the number of traffic accidents, unfortunately does too. So it is imperative for us to educate the current and next generation of drivers about driving safely. Training, education and public awareness are key, and we’re proud to contribute through Ford’s Driving Skills for Life campaign,” said Mike Pease, general manager, Capital Automotive.

In Myanmar, DSFL is organized in partnership with Ford’s local dealer partner, Capital Automotive Ltd., and the RMA Group. Trainers from the RMA Academy lead the DSFL training, alongside local dealership staff who have been trained by Ford’s global DSFL team.

DSFL is Ford’s flagship global corporate social responsibility program. In Asia, Ford DSFL is now in its eighth successful year of training licensed drivers of all ages. In addition to Myanmar, DSFL training is provided in China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines.

“Since entering Myanmar in 2013, we have remained committed to taking a leadership role in building Myanmar’s automotive industry, and making meaningful contributions that will support the country’s ongoing social development. Alongside our Community Grants programme, Driving Skills for Life is one way Ford goes further to help ensure a bright future for Myanmar and its people,” said Westerman.

By the end of 2015, Ford DSFL will have reached more than 150,000 people with behind-the-wheel training and hundreds of thousands more through online training, school programs and safe driving campaigns in 32 countries.