Is Big Brother Actually Going To Be Parents For Teen Drivers?

Ford is coming out with some interesting ideas with their next line of cars. Basically they are systems which will allow parents to monitor all sorts of activities of their teen drivers. The idea being that governors on speeds or knowledge that someone may be watching might save teen lives.

Called MyKey, parents will be able to program an audio system’s volume, and to sound continuous alerts if the driver doesn’t wear a seat belt. “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,” said Jim Buczkowski, Ford’s director of electronic and electrical systems engineering.

MyKey will be standard on some 2010 cars and trucks comeing out late next summer, and spread to the entire Ford, Lincoln and Mercury lineup as models are updated. Options include:

• MyKeyTM, another innovation from the company that introduced SYNC®, allows parents to limit speed and audio volume to encourage teens to drive safer and improve fuel efficiency

• Harris Interactive Survey shows that many parents would allow teens to drive more often if their vehicle was equipped with MyKey – helping young drivers build road safety experience

• MyKey will debut as a standard feature this summer on the 2010 Ford Focus and will quickly be offered on many other Ford, Lincoln and Mercury models

I was very interested in a teen’s look at these changes. I found this article , which not only covered the ways it might have prevented his driving problem, but also others’ options out there.

I love to see when a company like Ford comes up with these kind of life saving ideas. I hope it’s used and finds great success.

My only question is if Dad will turn it off when he’s driving?