Ford’s latest safety technology marks a first for any automaker in the world, giving unprecedented control for parents over several key risk factors for their teenage drivers with the use of MyKey.
Ford’s MyKey technology is essentially the ability to program a set of restrictions on various aspects of vehicle controls based on the specific key being used to start the car. The result is the ability for parents to keep their teens from practicing many unsafe driving actions without being present in the vehicle.
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The first feature of MyKey is the ability to put the car in “Do not disturb” mode when being driving by the limited key, automatically sending all calls to voicemail and blocking text messages while the teens are driving. This is intended to eliminate one of the most common distractions that has claims many teen lives.
In addition to limiting texts and phone calls, the system can also be programmed to limit the radio to a present maximum volume level of 44 percent, as well as limit any adult-themed radio stations if the vehicle has an active subscription to satellite radio.
Other safety functions include automatically muting the radio and sounding warnings until the driver and front passenger fasten their seatbelt.
Beyond that, parents can also choose from 65, 70, 75 or 85 mile per hour electronically limited top speeds – making sure their teens at least do not surpass highway limits. For a final added bit of safety, especially for newer drivers, the car will also warn drivers when fuel reaches a 75-mile capability to help avoid being stranded without fuel.
Ford’s MyKey is standard on many of its latest Ford and Lincoln products.
