Ford invests $1 million in teen-driving program

The Ford Motor Co. Fund is investing an additional $1 million into its no-charge driving-skills program for teenagers, the automaker said on Tuesday.

More than 3,000 Americans between the ages of 15 and 19 are killed in crashes each year, according to government statistics.

The Ford Driving Skills for Life tour will visit 30 high schools with the intent of educating young drivers. The program focuses on the key areas of driver distraction, speed-space management, vehicle handling and hazard recognition--the four areas that account for 60 percent of crashes involving teens.

"Inexperience is the leading cause of crashes in young drivers, and this program delivers the key skill sets that will increase their knowledge, confidence and, ultimately, their safety," said Sue Cischke, Ford group vice president for sustainability, environment and safety engineering.

The automaker teamed up with the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) in 2003 to launch the program.

"This new commitment will bring Ford DSFL into many more communities," said Vernon Betkey Jr., GHSA chairman. "While teen driving safety is a key priority, too often our communities lack the resources to conduct these types of hands-on, high-tech trainings. We are grateful to Ford for helping fill these critical gaps."

Visit www.drivingskillsforlife.com for more information.

By Brad Constant