Ford MyKey introduces ‘Do Not Disturb’ feature, blocks calls and texts for driving teens

Ford will become the first automaker to allow parents to block phone calls and text messages on their teens phones while driving. The new technology, known as MyKey Do Not Disturb, will launch on the new Ford Explorer in 2012. Does that means parents will have to buy a Ford Explorer for their teen? Probably not – the technology is expected to become available on other Ford models including the Ford Focus.

Ford MyKey Teen Driving Do Not DisturbThe Do Not Disturb feature, which is available on all 2011 vehicles featuring SYNC with MyFord Touch, will now be available as a feature parents can control through MyKey.

“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.”

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The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), teens are more likely to take risks such as speeding – a contributing factor in 30 percent of all fatal crashes. Teens also are less likely to wear safety belts than older drivers. With that figure in mind, the MyKey will have other features such as ‘No Belt, No Tunes,’ which will mute the audi system until occupants buckle up.

“Our dealers tell us that when they have a buyer with kids in the house and they mention the MyKey feature, every single one of them says, ‘How do I turn that on?’ Customers are very happy with the feature,” Sarkisian said.

– By: Omar Rana