Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa (FMCSA) launched its globally successful Driving Skills for Life (DSFL) programme in South Africa recently.
The Driving Skills For Life programme aims to promote ecologically-friendly driving while simultaneously tackling the country’s poor road safety record. The programme is a first for South Africa, where environmental concerns have traditionally taken a back seat.
The driver education course mixes classroom and practical training to help increase awareness of safe driving techniques that also help improve fuel efficiency and ultimately minimize the spread of CO2 emissions.
“What sets DSFL apart is that it is applicable to all South African drivers, no matter their age or the type of car they drive, and has the three benefits of safety, fuel efficiency and environmentally conscious driving – the latter of which has been overlooked in South Africa for way too long”, says Jeff Nemeth, FMCSA president and CEO.
Nemeth believes the Carbon Emissions Tax, which took effect on 1 September, is a step in the right direction, but that programmes like DSFL will further serve to highlight the importance of reducing emissions, and give motorists practical ways to achieve it.
FMCSA will initially roll the programme out to dealers, employees and fleet customers, before it is made available to the general public.
