Texting and talking on a phone while driving can and has caused some serious damage to motorists. In many states, texting while behind the wheel is illegal while other cities seem to be following suit with higher frequency. This issue seems to be even more present with teenage drivers and Ford’s soon to be released MyKey technology looks to add one more solution. Behind the piggy-back feature for SYNC is something the company is calling “Do Not Disturb” that allows parents to control the vehicle’s hands free phone system. When activated, incoming calls for a Bluetooth connected cell phone will be sent directly to voicemail and text messages will be stored for later viewing.
The MyKey system doesn’t necessarily turn a phone off. Outgoing calls can still be made but only using the SYNC’s voice recognition system. Ford is the first automaker to openly support the proposed nationwide federal ban on texting while driving: one of the many reasons for their new piece of technology. The feature also adds a plethora of parental controls such as top speed limiters, stereo volume control, satellite radio blocking for certain stations and making the traction control constantly on.
“Adding Do Not Disturb to MyKey is yet another way Ford is helping parents to encourage their kids to drive safer,” said Andy Sarkisian, Ford Safety Planning and Strategy manager. “We are continually listening to our customers and responding to parents’ desire to make sure their kids are paying attention to the road, not their cell phone.” The first vehicle to feature MyKey will be the Explorer in early 2012.
Source: Ford
