Ford is investing £2.1 million as part of its Ford Driving Skills for Life program, which aims to train thousands of inexperienced drivers in Europe.
Ford’s program has already invested over £7 million since its launch in 2013.
With car crashes the leading cause of death for 18 to 14-year-olds in Europe, Ford is committed to bringing free, hands-on training in order to highlight the risks posed to young drivers.
Having already given training to 13,500 drivers in 11 European countries, the American carmaker is looking to commit to an even more thorough program, which covers 13 countries and 7,000 drivers.
Jim Graham, manager of Ford Driving Skills for Life, said: “Too many young adults are dying in car crashes caused by a combination of inexperience and poor decision making.
“With this new £2.1 million investment in young driver training for 2016, we can provide a further 7,000 young people with the skills and knowledge that could help save their lives.”
As part of the course, drivers are trained in hazard recognition and vehicle handling, as well as speed and space management. The program also shows drivers the importance of avoiding distractions such as accessing social media while behind the wheel, or driving the car while under the influence of drink or drugs.
Graham added: “Newly qualified drivers still have so much to learn about safety on the road so we strongly urge young drivers to take advantage of Ford DSFL training.
“It’s fun, free, informative, and because we constantly re-evaluate what we teach, it’s always relevant.”
