Pocono News Section

Ford Mykey Program

Ford Mykey Program - Thursday, October 29, 2009 at 5:41PM EST

Thursday, Oct 29, 2009 @ 05:41pm EDT

Teens are more likely to speed than any other driving group in America .

That's according to the national highway traffic safety administration.

But Ford, Lincoln and Mercury cars have something installed that could help stop that trend.

When you start up any 2010 Ford, Mercury or Lincoln car the Mykey system kicks in to keep teen drivers safe.

Ford public relations consultant Violet Marley said, "When you have teen drivers usually within the first year they're in a car accident. They need to start learning how to have better safety driving habits."

Marley showed us the new system at Coccia Ford in Wilkes-Barre .

Mykey programs a car to limit its top speed to 80 miles per hour.

The car stereo can be set to not go higher than a certain volume level.

If you don't buckle your seat belt, the radio won't turn on until you do.

Ford says two thirds of teen drivers surveyed were against the Mykey system.

But Marley said once teens were surveyed after parents offered more driving time with Mykey, "When the parents said, we'll let you drive the car more if we're able just to give you just some limitations and some general reminders to teach you good driving habits, they were like ok"

Mykey seems to be a big hit on car sales lots.

Martin says he's sold about 50 cars with the new system installed.

"I like the way that ford is leading the way as far as safety especially as it relates to young drivers, teenage drivers. As a parent with two young drivers I can appreciate that,” said Martin.