KUALA SIMPANG, Indonesia – With a record 750,000 vehicles sold in Indonesia last year, up 50 percent from the previous year, the need for motorists to understand and practice the fundamentals of safe driving has never been greater. Through Ford’s region-wide Driving Skills for Life (DSFL) programme, Ford Motor Indonesia (FMI) is doing its part to raise awareness of safe driving practices among Indonesian motorists.

Last month, FMI hosted an exclusive DSFL session with one of its biggest fleet customers, Pertamina EP (PEP) – a subsidiary of state-owned Pertamina – that specialises in the exploration and production of oil and gas.

The session took place at PEP’s operating area in Kuala Simpang, an eight-hour drive from Banda Aceh on the island of Sumatra. More than 120 PEP contractors and employees took part in the session over a three-day period.

“We received positive feedback from the participants. Most of them were appreciative of the practical tips they learned in the programme, and said they would help spread the message of safe and smart driving in Indonesia,” said Lea Kartika Indra, communications manager, FMI.

In addition to training the participants on how to drive safely on busy roads, this DSFL session was tailor-made to teach safe driving techniques for rough terrain.

“Driving on steep hills and sandy roads is part of the participants’ daily routine. Therefore, learning how to drive safely on those challenging terrains is important for them. The session included practical tips, such as how to safely climb an almost 45-degree hill,” said Farid Jauhari, fleet sales manager, FMI.

According to Indonesia’s Ministry of Transportation, road accidents in 2009 resulted in 31,186 fatalities, with 67 percent of the victims in their productive working age. This resulted in a loss of approximately USD 25 billion in 2010, equal to 3 percent of Indonesia’s gross domestic product.

While more than 2,300 Indonesian drivers have participated in the DSFL training programme since it launched in 2008, FMI is seeking to further the reach of the programme in 2011.

“This year, we are revamping and expanding the DSFL programme so that we can train even more drivers,” explained Indra.

Participants learn practical tips in handling difficult driving situations…	…including how to safely climb steep hills