Distracted driving is one of the main causes of accidents and near-accidents on the road today. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA), teens represent the demographic of drivers who are most likely to take other risks, like speeding and not wearing a seatbelt. And parents, aware of these risks, have recently been asking car companies for more help in keeping their kids safe.

Ford answers these requests with their new "Do Not Disturb" feature on all 2011 Ford models featuring SYNC with MyFord Touch and MyKey technology. With this program, teens can leave their phones on to make voice-activated calls and in case of emergency, but Do Not Disturb forwards all incoming calls to voicemail and stores text messages so they can be read later.

According to Andy Sarkisian, Ford Safety Planning and Strategy Manager, the American automaker is "continually listening to [their] customers and responding to parents' desire to make sure their kids are paying attention to the road."¹ Which is part of the reason why the "Do Not Disturb" feature also comes with "No Belt, No Tunes," which mutes the radio until both front seat passengers are buckled up. Parents can also set a top speed (65, 70, 75, or 80 mph), block adult-themed satellite radio stations, set a top stereo volume, and set the fuel light to go off when there's 75 miles left in the tank (as opposed to the regular 50 miles). Ford hopes that removing some of the biggest distractions on the road today will help parents help their teens learn safe driving habits.

The new 2012 Ford Explorer, when equipped with MyKey technology, will come standard with this feature, to be followed closely by other new Ford models. If you'd like to learn more about turning this feature on in your 2011 SYNC-equipped vehicle, Contact Gurley Leep Ford LINCOLN anytime via our website, or simply stop by our South Bend Ford dealership at 320 E Ireland Rd.

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¹http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=35504