• MyKey^® technology – now in 6 million Ford and Lincoln vehicles on the road nationwide – is there when parents can’t be in the car with their teens this summer

• Ford’s MyKey technology encourages teenagers to wear their seat belts, keep the radio volume down, watch their speed and pay attention to the road – not their cell phones

• 2014 Ford Fiesta is the latest Ford vehicle to get MyKey technology, available in dealerships this summer

Waldorf, Maryland, 2013 – There is perhaps no bigger worry for parents than their teens’ safety, including when they get behind the wheel this summer vacation season.

Parents’ concern is more than just instinct – the numbers back it up. Ford’s analysis of National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data shows teen driver fatalities increase every month beginning in May before declining in September. So who is there to remind teenagers to buckle up when their parents aren’t around? How will they know when the radio is a distraction, or to slow down?

The answer: Ford MyKey^® technology – standard equipment now on 6 million Ford Motor Company vehicles nationwide, including the new 2014 Fiesta, available in dealerships this summer.

“By using our MyKey technology, parents can increase the chances their children will adopt safe driving practices,” said Greg Basiliko General Manager of Waldorf Ford.  “While state laws and educational programs are critical, ultimately, parents are the most critical component to keep their teen drivers safe.”

MyKey equals love, not control

MyKey was inspired by the determination of Andy Sarkisian, Ford safety planning and strategy manager, to keep his two daughters, along with teens everywhere, safe behind the wheel.

“We were brainstorming at work, thinking, ‘Is there anything we can do to our vehicles – anything we could add – to keep our kids safer?’” recalls Sarkisian, who has been with Ford for 35 years. “At the time, I was living out the scenario at home.”

Sarkisian and his team came up with MyKey after evaluating how teens can still have their freedom while learning to be responsible behind the wheel.

“It’s not about control – it’s not anything that dramatic,” Sarkisian says. “MyKey is about love. It’s about helping your children manage the transition from childhood to adulthood, and keeping them safer while they do it.”

The easily programmable system features several options:

• Persistent Ford Belt-Minder^® with audio mute sounds chimes and mutes the radio to remind teens to buckle up. A message on the instrument panel is also displayed: “Buckle Up to Unmute Radio”
• Volume control can limit the audio system to 44 percent of maximum output if the radio is too loud
• A speed alert chime at 45, 55 and 65 mph will remind teens to slow down. Parents can also limit top speed to 80 mph
• “Do Not Disturb” helps parents block incoming phone calls and hold text messages on a phone paired with Ford SYNC^® when teens are behind the wheel
• In addition to the typical warnings displayed when the fuel level reaches 25 and 50 miles to empty, MyKey provides an extra warning at 75 miles to remind your teen to fill up

Consumers who would like to test drive a vehicle with MyKey technology can visit Waldorf Ford located at 2440 Crain Hwy in Waldorf, Maryland for a free demonstration.

Distracted driving, a growing concern

Distracted driving is a huge concern for parents of inexperienced drivers, and Ford’s “Do Not Disturb” feature helps minimize the risk. When paired with Ford SYNC, “Do Not Disturb” blocks incoming phone calls or text messages. Calls are diverted to voicemail and text messages are saved on the device for later viewing. Drivers can still make voice-activated outgoing calls, and SYNC 911 Assist^® can still make a call in case of emergency.

“‘Do Not Disturb’ is yet another way Ford is helping parents encourage their kids to drive safer,” says Sarkisian. “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 phones.”

For more information visit Waldorf Ford at 2440 Crain Hwy, Waldorf, Maryland 20601.  Or visit us online at http://www.waldorfford.com or call us at 1-888-284-1463.