Ford welcomed 24 UAE mothers during its Driving Skills for Life event at Dubai Autodrome.
Driving Skills for Life was designed to highlight the dangers of distraction, sleep deprivation, and stress that mothers sometimes face when behind the wheel.
Attendees were chosen as part of a competition organised through ExpatWoman.com, and were able to test out a selection of Ford’s latest models.
“When it comes to being a new mother, doing everyday tasks while only half awake is commonplace,” commented Sue Nigoghossian, general manager of communications at Ford Middle East and North Africa.
“However, fatigue doesn’t just affect energy levels; it also increases irritability and stress, altering hazard perception and making drivers more prone to accidents,” she added.
In addition to getting behind the wheel of Ford’s 2015 Mustang and Expedition models, attendees were able to try a range of the US automaker’s safety-oriented technologies, including its Blind Spot Information System (BLIS), Park Assist, and SYNC with MyFord Touch. Nevertheless, Nigoghossian was keen to point out that the human factor remains most important when it comes to road safety.
“Regardless of how technologically advanced the vehicle is, safety begins with the drive,” she warned.
“That’s why Ford has tailored this Driving Skills for Life event specifically to the needs of mothers. Following the success of other editions around the world, we are creating awareness of the dangers parents face on the road every day, as well as training them to overcome [these dangers],” said Nigoghossian.
Professional driving instructors were on hand to deliver a number of sessions designed to test driving skills and educate the mothers on how to simultaneously handle the road and a car full of children. Activities included a distraction test, parking with the aid of Park Assist, impaired vision demonstrations, and car-seat safety tasks.
“Today, Ford vehicles offer customers smart technologies that truly revolutionise the driving experience, help drivers to drive safely, and even avoid accidents,” Nigoghossian concluded.