Ford Driving Skills for Life program comes to Waterloo Region

The Ford Motor Company of Canada brought their Ford Driving Skills for Life program to Waterloo Region for the sixth year.

New drivers had a chance to learn safe driving techniques, as well as experience the danger of drunk and distracted driving in a simulated and controlled environment. A pylon course was set up in a section of the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium's parking lot on November 3rd.

Drivers were able to speak with Ford driving instructors before jumping into the driver seat for a hands-on demonstration. The instructor was always in the passenger seat. Waterloo Regional Police were also on hand for demonstrations and to help answer questions.

Renee was a young driver who showed up after her father suggested the program.

“It was really cool to have the cops here to be able to talk to them about the different laws and stuff like that… especially with legalization of marijuana, talking about the different laws around that as well,” Renee said. 

Participants had the chance to drive one of two courses. The distracted driving course had the driver multitask between texting, adjusting the heater, and changing the radio. The drunk driving course had the driver strap on beer goggles that simulated how vision could be affected while under the influence. 

Dave Drimmie is the Manager of the program in Canada, he said the program “creates a sense of enlightenment.”

“They get out of the car and realized —which everyone does realize is— we shouldn't be driving distracted.”

Zack was another young driver who took a spin through the course.

“Just seeing how difficult it actually is, cause it's one thing to just say, 'yeah I could probably do that,' but it's different to go and actually experience it,” he said.