How To Teenage-Proof The Car

[Raistlin]

On top of limiting speeds and volumes it prevents the driver from deactivating safety technologies like stability control which can which can help prevent low-speed collisions.

Stability control helps prevent the kinds of loss-of-control incidents which inexperienced drivers are more likely to suffer.

The maximum speed cap can be combined with speed limit warning chimes that cut in at 45mph, 55mph and 65mph - a feature included after market research showed speeding was the biggest worry of parents of young drivers.

Speed limit: The MyKey system limits youngsters' speed to 80mph and can also be programmed to keep the volume on the stereo down and stop drivers disabling safety features on the vehicle

Safety first: The limits are linked to the specific key, with the car's owner holding the master key which allows youngsters' keys to be programmed

The MyKey system can also be programmed to alert the driver that fuel is running low sooner than it would normally, with the warning light flashing when 75 miles worth of fuel is left rather than 50 miles.

The feature can limit the volume of the stereo to 44 per cent to ensure youngsters are less distracted and disable the sound system altogether if the driver and passengers are not wearing seatbelts.

'Young drivers are not too keen on myKey until they learn that it often improves the chances their parents will allow them to drive in the first place'

MyKey, which has been available in the U.S. since 2009, was developed for the UK by Ford’s Peter Patzelt. 'All parents know that if teenagers are experts at one thing, it’s finding ways of getting into trouble,' he said.

'MyKey allows Fiesta owners to set sensible restrictions for young drivers, and delivers peace-of-mind for parents.

'Parents love myKey because it helps them reduce their teenagers’ exposure to risk at the wheel.

'Young drivers are not too keen on myKey until they learn that it often improves the chances their parents will allow them to drive in the first place.'

Britain's most popular car: The MyKey will be available on new models of the Ford Fiesta from next month. It has been available in the U.S. since 2009

MyKey is initially only available on the Ford Fiesta, the UK’s biggest-selling car, but is expected to be introduced across the entire range by 2015.

Road safety charity Brake today praised Ford for its innovation but called on the government to change the laws for learner drivers.

They want the scrapping of intensive courses so young motorists spend a minimum of a year learning to drive as well as a number of restrictions brought in once people pass their test.

Ellen Booth, senior campaigns officer, said: 'Traffic is the biggest killer of young people, so it’s vital that action is taken to tackle the additional risks they face on roads.

'Manufacturers have an important role to pay, and Brake welcomes this initiative.

'However, Brake also urges the government to reform the system of learning to drive to a graduated system, so young drivers can learn to drive gradually, with less exposure to the riskiest situation