Ford is set to introduce their MyKey – Do Not Disturb technology into their cars in 2012. This innovative system is a further attempt to reduce the accident rate involving teenagers. Parents can have a special MyKey for their teenagers which restricts a number of functions while their own key has none of the restrictions. The technology allows parents to block their teens from receiving phone calls and deter text messages while driving with a new MyKey® Do Not Disturb technology.
Other MyKey functions include:
- Ford’s Belt-Minder system typically provides a six-second reminder chime every minute for five minutes. With MyKey, the Belt-Minder chime continues at the regular interval and the audio system is muted until the safety belt is buckled. A message center display, “Buckle Up to Unmute Radio” also appears on the instrument cluster
- Earlier low-fuel warning. Rather than a warning at 50 miles to empty, MyKey provides a warning at 75 miles to empty
- If MyKey is in the ignition, features such as park aid and BLIS® (Blind Spot Information System) with cross-traffic alert cannot be deactivated
Additional MyKey features that can be programmed through the vehicle’s message center setup menu:
- Limited top speed of 80 mph
- Traction control system, that limits tire spin, cannot be deactivated
- Limited audio volume to 44 percent of total volume
- A speed alert chime at 45, 55 or 65 mph
These features should go a long way to keeping our teenagers safer on the road in their early driving years. However having just returned from a trip with my 17 year old son, it’s a pity that the system can’t do anything about their road awareness. “Didn’t you see that car parked in the middle of the road?” “No!” 🙁
