Control Your Teen Driver with a Computer Chip?
Tuesday October 7, 2008
Soon parents will have a way to keep checks and balances on their teen drivers, according to this article in the Wall Street Journal. “Starting with select 2010 models to be introduced next year, Ford will include a programmable ignition key as a no-cost, standard option that restricts maximum speeds and offers additional safety alerts.” One of my favorite safety alerts is the annoying sound that forces the teen driver to buckle-up. And I like that the “device can also be configured to sound chimes at 45, 55 or 65 miles per hour depending on how much parents may want to warn -- or bother -- their children about excessive speed”. That sounds like fun, for parents anyway. The important thing is that it should work save our teens from mistakes in judgment when driving.
What do you think? Can I have a show of hands of parents who want to run out and buy this car now? What’s the downside for parents? Share your thoughts in our comments area.
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Comments
How many parents can financially afford to buy a new car for their children?
They need to come up with a device to eliminate excessive speeds (ie a governor).
I like the idea, but if I get a new car, my teenager sure won’t be driving it! Maybe they can come up with a chip we can modify an old car with.
Just a quick update regarding this chip. It is in the Key, so you’re teen has a seperate key that is different from Mom or Dads. So you wont need to buy your teen their own car. When you use your key, your vehicle works as normal, when you teen uses their key, (mykey) the restrictions are in place.
Oh, Cam, I really like the idea of an aftermarket update for older cars to have this key as well… hmmm lets get started.
The idea appeals to me, especially the part about safety belts. And I’d also read that it controlled the volume level on the stereo system, so that it couldn’t be turned up past a certain point. I think the idea of it being tied to a specific key is very clever. There is a similar feature on our friend’s jet ski - the kids (and some adults) can only operate it with the restricted key to prevent it from being abused. My daughters are a couple of years away from driving, but it’s definitely something we might consider! Hopefully in the next few years, more options like this will become available on other models as well as an add-on to existing cars.
Maybe well ahead of it’s time but needs to start somewhere. I always negotiate with my teenagers and get consensus on this sort of thing. What about something to add onto the 1992 model my lad drives now? The other lad has his own car so negotiation would be interesting!