Ford MyKey Startup Message
The new Ford MyKey 'Do Not Disturb' feature has been designed to help younger drivers to focus on the road ahead by blocking incoming phone calls or text messages from a Bluetooth-paired mobile phone.
'Do Not Disturb' diverts all calls to voicemail and saves text messages on the device to be viewed at a safer time.
Other features of Ford MyKey include the option to restrict the vehicle's top speed to 80mph and limit audio volume, The MyKey also encourages safety-belt usage, provides earlier low-fuel warnings and can be programmed to sound chimes at set points between 45 to 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."
"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 be available from 2012, initially for the Ford Fiesta before being expanded to other car models.
