Motoring giant Ford is launching a car key designed for teenage drivers which limits the speed a vehicle can be driven at. It will give parents peace of mind as it will ensure their children can only drive up to a certain speed. In addition to limiting the cars speed, the MyKey system can also stop phone calls being made from the car, limit the stereo volume and even block the vehicle from moving if the seatbelts are not in use. While teenagers may not be happy about the limitations, it will allow them more freedom and access to the family car, while their parents will be happier knowing that their children will be safer.
The system works through a second key, which is the only one given to the designated young driver. When the vehicle reaches a set speed, a warning sound will occur telling the driver to slow down. The maximum speed can be set at 80mph, an already illegal limit, with warning sounds optional at 44, 55 or 65mph. Road safety experts have some doubts, however, as they state that the biggest threats to young drivers are inexperience and sense of invisibility and setting a speed limit is unlikely to change these. Also, while driving at 40mph is fine on country lanes, it could pose problems for motorway driving.
Although the new technology is aimed at young drivers, the system can also be useful for fleet drivers. The system has already been a success in America and now it will be rolled out across new Ford cars in Europe from next year.
While the technology may have certain limitations, it certainly will be a relief to many parents, who will be happier with their children driving their Ford rather than a luxury model like a BMW or
Mercedes Benz. Canterbury, Bristol and Liverpool drivers are just some of those who will be able to buy a Ford car with the new technology from next year.
