From left, Dr. David Ascher, chairman, Dept. of Pediatrics at Inova Children's Hospital, Joanna Fazio, public relations at Inova, Mike Speck and Dr. Brendan McCracken, Trauma and Surgical Critical Care Department. Photo contributed
Representatives from the Ford Driving Skills for Life (DSFL) program managed by the Ford Motor Company Fund, Ford’s philanthropic arm, stopped by Inova Children's Hospital on Wednesday, Oct. 2 to highlight with leadership and staff some of the main causes of car crashes involving teenagers, including inexperience and distracted driving. Those in attendance also got to hear personal stories from those that work in the trauma unit who regularly witness the outcomes of these types of crashes.
Ford DSFL representatives were in Northern Virginia this week promoting their free Driving Skills for Life program that is coming to the region next weekend. The free program consists of three days of hands-on training October 11, 12, and 13 at Dulles International Airport’s Purple Lot. Parents can sign their teens up for one of these sessions at www.drivingskillsforlife.com.
The program, designed by a panel of safety experts, will focus on building the skills of young drivers in several key areas. The program will demonstrate the dangerous effects of distractions in the car like texting while driving or carrying too many passengers. Teens will also learn how to steer a car safely out of a slide. The exercises will put students in real-world driving scenarios in a controlled environment so they are equipped with knowledge that could save their life in the future.