Ford is helping parents to ensure their children drive more safely with a new technology that can block incoming phone calls and text messages while they are behind the wheel.
The new Ford MyKey® 'Do Not Disturb' feature is an industry first and is designed to help parents encourage younger drivers to concentrate on the road ahead by reducing phone-related distractions.
'Do Not Disturb' is a feature of Ford's MyKey technology, which works by blocking incoming phone calls or text messages from a Bluetooth-paired mobile phone, diverting calls to voicemail and saving text messages on the device for viewing later.
Ford MyKey allows owners to programme a special key that can also restrict the vehicle's top speed to 80mph and limit audio volume.
In addition, MyKey encourages safety-belt usage, provides earlier low-fuel warnings and can be programmed to sound chimes at set points between 45 and 70mph.
"MyKey adds a new dimension to auto safety by giving drivers standard technology that encourages safer driving and limits their exposure to risk, regardless of age or experience," said Peter Patzelt, Ford system architect for MyKey.
"MyKey can give parents peace of mind when they hand car keys over to their kids, and 'Do Not Disturb' enables parents to control another risk factor when their child gets behind the wheel."
Research suggests European drivers under the age of 25 are up to three times more likely to be involved in a fatal road accident than experienced drivers.
"Inexperienced drivers are typically the most at-risk drivers on the road," Patzelt said.
"The more we can do to encourage safe driving and limit distraction the better. With MyKey, parents can set limitations, while still allowing the freedom of driving a car."
MyKey will become available from next year on the Ford Fiesta before being expanded to other car models.
