European models to be fitted with MyKey technology, which lets parents put brakes on speeding and loud stereos
For generations of British teenagers, access to the family car has been a rare moment of freedom, an opportunity to crank up the stereo and, for the more reckless, generate a satisfying squeal from the tyres. But not any more – not, at least, if your parents drive a Ford.
The US motoring company announced that it was extending a concept called MyKey to its European models from next year. The system allows owners to programme a particular key with limitations for the vehicle, including a maximum speed and even a cap on the audio system's volume.
Already standard on most US Ford models, the technology allows a series of options designed to make teenage motoring as safe – or, depending on your perspective, as irritating – as parents choose.
The maximum speed can be set at an already-illegal 80mph, with the option of warning chimes at 45, 55 or 65mph. Another feature means the system that curbs tyre spin cannot be deactivated. Seatbelt reminders can be set to be more regular and insistent than usual, with the radio set on silent till the deed is done.
In a slightly more nannyish vein, the warning about low fuel can be made to sound sooner, while there is an option to bar deactivation of electronic parking assistance and blind spot detection systems.
The American version was rolled out alongside a Ford survey that found that parents of teenagers welcomed a chance to remotely manage their in-car behaviour.
There is, of course, a serious side to the technology given that young and inexperienced drivers are statistically far more likely to be involved in motoring accidents than older drivers, with a significant proportion of these involving excessive speed.
"The more we can do to encourage safe driving and limit distraction the better," said Peter Patzelt, the Ford designer behind MyKey. "With MyKey, parents can set limitations, while still allowing the freedom of driving a car."
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Source: http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2011/sep/01/ford-mykey-teenagers
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