Ford Brings Teen Safe Driving Program to Billerica Memorial High School

Ford Motor Company, in collaboration with the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), is bringing its national teen safe driving program, Ford Driving Skills for Life (Ford DSFL), to Billerica Memorial High School as part of a 30-city national tour. The program aims to educate students on safe driving practices and provide hands-on training modules to equip them with the fundamental skills necessary for safe driving.

Key Takeaways:

• Ford DSFL is a nationally recognized program that teaches newly-licensed teens the necessary skills for safe driving beyond standard driver education programs.
• The program focuses on four key areas of concentration: Distractions, Vehicle Handling, Space Management, and Speed Management.
• Distracted driving is a major concern, with 16% of all drivers under age 20 involved in fatal crashes reported to have been driving while distracted.
• The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that distracted driving kills over 6,000 people each year.
• The Massachusetts Highway Safety Division recognizes the importance of educating young drivers on safe driving practices and the responsibilities that come with a driver's license.
• The Ford Motor Company Fund has committed $1,000,000 to expand Ford DSFL to 30 cities across the nation.

Statistics:

• 16% of all drivers under age 20 involved in fatal crashes were reported to have been driving while distracted (NHTSA).
• Distracted driving kills over 6,000 people each year (NHTSA).
• Vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for teenagers throughout the nation.
• The majority of crashes attributed to inexperience in four key skills: Distractions, Vehicle Handling, Space Management, and Speed Management.

Sources:

• Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA)
• Ford Motor Company Fund
• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
• Massachusetts Highway Safety Division
• Billerica Memorial High School