Ford Parental Control System

[cosworth151]

Ford has announced its new MyKey system, for the younger drivers in the family.

With MyKey, parents can program the car’s control computers to set limits on drivers, and maintain safety systems.

Among the items controlled by the key:

-- Max speed is limited to 80 miles per hour, and warning chimes can sound at 45, 55 and 65 miles per hour.

-- The seat belt warning chime sounds, and the radio is muted, until the belt is buckled.

-- The low fuel warning comes on with 75 miles remaining, instead of the usual 50 miles.

-- Radio volume limited to 44 percent of maximum.

-- And safety technologies such as traction control and blind spot detection cannot be deactivated.

Ford says the MyKey will be standard on the 2010 Focus that goes on sale next year, and will be optional on many other of the automaker’s products.

No mention of a back seat activity monitor system.