In an effort to combat the fact that teens are the most likely age group to drive too fast or not buckle up, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA), Ford is introducing their SYNC MyKey technology designed to give parents the opportunity to set advanced safety controls for their teen drivers.

Ford's new MyKey system allows parents to set safety restrictions like speed limits (65, 70, 75, or 80 mph) and what's called a "No Belt, No Tunes," restriction which mutes the audio system until both front passengers have put on their seat belts. Additionally, the MyKey system includes other features like a low-fuel warning light, and the ability to also set a limit on the volume level on the stereo system.

One notable feature on the MyKey system is the "Do Not Disturb" feature which when attached with SYNC via a Bluetooth-enabled phone, forwards incoming phone calls straight to voicemail and saves incoming text messages for later viewing. Ultimately, "adding Do Not Disturb to MyKey is yet another way Ford is helping parents to encourage their kids to drive safer," says Andy Sarkisian, Ford Safety Planning and Strategy Manager. ¹

New features on the MyKey system, as well as the MyFord touch, will be available on all SYNC-enabled 2011 Ford models and will come standard on all new 2012 Ford Explorer vehicles. If you're interested in learning more about Ford's latest safety innovations, contact Dale Jarrett Ford anytime. Or, stop by our showroom at 88 Dale Jarrett Blvd. Indian Trail, NC during our regularly scheduled business hours.