Ford has launched a dedicated rescue-skills training programme for pickup truck owners after new research revealed just how often UK drivers step in to help others in trouble on the road.
Research conducted by Ford shows that pick-up truck drivers are eager to help fellow motorist and perform nearly 1m free rescues every year.
In repsonse to this Good Samaritan behaviour, Ford has launched a new “Ranger Ready” course which is designed to give pickup drivers practical, hands-on instruction in safe towing, off-road recovery and rescue techniques, using real-world scenarios. Ford says the initiative fills a crucial knowledge gap, with many drivers willing to help but lacking the technical know-how to do so safely.
James Cooper, Ranger brand manager at Ford in Europe, said: “The data that we unearthed confirmed something we instinctively knew – there’s an inbuilt heroism in the UK’s pickup community, a real desire to help others. But the data also revealed a crucial gap. Despite drivers’ good intentions, not everyone has the know-how to help as much as they would like. That’s where Ranger Ready comes in.”
Ford’s research shows 98% of pickup drivers have helped someone in the past year, whether by towing a stuck car, navigating floodwater, or pulling a stranded vehicle back to safety.
Across the UK’s estimated 230,000 pickup drivers, that adds up to nearly one million rescue incidents every year. Drivers step in around four times a year on average, collectively giving up more than one full day of their time to help others.
Ford estimates these acts of goodwill are saving UK motorists more than £32m in potential callout fees.
Ranger Ready teaches drivers how to:
The programme has already been trialled with a group of Ranger owners, who learned recovery techniques using trailers before tackling one of the UK’s toughest off-road courses.
Designed to build confidence and capability, the course reinforces Ford’s positioning of the Ranger as not only a workhorse but also a trusted rescue and support vehicle in tough conditions.
