As the automobile industry continues to invest in new technologies to gain a leg up in the competition, Ford has taken a new approach by reaching out to teens.
The company's free driving skills program, in partnership with the Governors Highway Safety Association, will receive another $1 million to fight the number one killer of American teenagers - car accidents.
Ford Driving Skills for Life (DSFL) will embark upon a national tour that gives teens free driving exercises and published materials that educate about safety in cars. The tour will stop at 30 high schools around the country, including those in Little Rock, Arkansas; Hartford, Connecticut; and Orlando, Florida.
The program focuses on combating driver distraction, managing speed, vehicle handling and danger recognition. In addition, a website offers teens more educational models such as quizzes, car care tips and games.
"Ford is passionate about helping young drivers learn the rules of the road, better manage distractions behind the wheel and help make America’s roads safer for all of us," said Sue Cischke, Ford's vice president of sustainability, environment and safety engineering. She added that "inexperience is the leading cause of crashes in young drivers."