Is the “My Key” feature something you would consider for your teenaged driver?
Everyone remembers the excitement they felt the first time they were in the driver’s seat.Most of you probably could not wait until you turned sixteen so you could start cruising around in your parents’ (or if you were lucky enough, your very own) car.
Not much has changed since then.Teenagers are still rushing out to their DMV’s the day they turn sixteen.But, what will soon change is the amount of control a parent can keep without setting foot in their child’s car.Starting next year the Ford Motor Co. will begin selling a tool called “My Key” to help parents limit their child’s speed while behind the wheel.
A number of the Ford 2010 models will have this standard feature called “My Key”, allowing parents to set a maximum speed capacity on the car to 80 miles per hour.This will all be done through a computer chip inside the car key.The key’s chip will also have a function that limits the volume on the sound system and continuously reminds the driver if he/she is not wearing their seatbelt.
For many parents, this may be the second best thing to riding shotgun next to their son or daughter.Jim Buczkowski, Ford’s director of electronic and electrical systems engineering explained the idea behind the latest feature for new drivers to the Associated Press.Buczkowski said, “Our message to parents is, hey, we are providing you some conditions to give your new drivers that may allow you to feel a little more comfortable in giving them the car more often.”
What do you think of the new technology Ford will introduce to limit a teen driver’s speed?
I think it's a good idea, but 80 MPH is not exactly slow, is it? I don't want my teen driving 80 MPH, I'm with the others who voiced 65 MPH.
I don't see how it would save lives otherwise.
hmfannin::
on Nov 11, 2008
I agree that the 80 mph is too high for a new driver. I know that when I started driving I was uncomfortable going that fast, then it didn't bother me....but now that I'm a mom and I've got my little one in the back I try to keep it about 70. And all of this really depends on where you live. i grew up in Atlanta, so to keep up with the "flow of traffic" on I-75 or I-20 you were easily going 80+ mph. Now I live in Chattanooga, TN and you can go 70 and be leading the pack!! There is a graduated license system in GA up to 18yrs, but I think it should be raised to 21, only b/c I knew of people who did really stupid things involving driving and don't think they would have done them if they knew that couldn't get there "real" license if they were caught. You can't take the freedom of driving away until an older age b/c if anyone was like me, I had a job when I was 17 and communted to school and work all thru college, so I couldn't depend on mom & dad for a ride!
Salelann65::
on Nov 12, 2008
I have 10 more years before I have the stress of a teenage driver, but reading something like this helps ease my mind of what it would be like lol=) Kudos to the car manufactors for developing products that will help keep our children safe!
ranroo::
on Nov 13, 2008
I would rather see the parents making the decision of what speed is max to drive at then the auto company. I don't know what place in the USA that legally allows a speed at 80mph. It should be set at 55mph!!!!
Texmel::
on Nov 18, 2008
What a fabulous idea. Since the stats on serious accidents for new drivers who are teens are so high, this should really help! I applaud Ford for being so forward thinking!
TrinaH::
on Nov 18, 2008
While the concept is great .... too bad it'll be another 10 years before most teens in this country would have access to these vehicles! I sure wouldn't buy my 16 yr old a car much newer than 10 years old... but maybe that's just me!
I love the idea, would prefer a 70 mph limit over 80 mph, but good concept. Sure it won't stop them from going 80 mph in a 40 mph zone, but there is only so much a car maker can do! They can give us these little tools, but its our job as parents to teach the rest!
patrossi2004::
on Nov 21, 2008
I always wondered why they have a "governor" for speed on go carts and such and not something for parents with teens and cars !! This is a product that welcome news and long overdue !!! Yea !!
photophatty67::
on Nov 23, 2008
I'd like to see it top out at 70 mph, not 80... This still won't really be enough, because they'll still drive over the speed limit many times...but I imagine it will help somewhat. At least they can only drive up to a certain speed. 80 mph is terribly fast, though.
raisinrom::
on Dec 05, 2008
I think it's a great idea too, but why 80 mph, that's MUCH faster than those kids should be driving. Most speed limits are 65 mph. Maybe the limit should be 60, perhaps they should be driving a bit slower anyway, until they are seasoned drivers. Why don't they just make the "limit" adjustable ?
mustangmomma::
on Dec 08, 2008
I agree with most of you that 80 is too fast! Since I have a teen who will be driving soon, I will have to mull this idea over. I do take issue with having too many devices that give too much information about us to people who could possibly not have our best interests at heart. Chips are being sold now that let you track your kids as they drive. If I can track them, so can preditors!
