Business & Tech

Ford Survey Reveals Insight Into Teen Driving Habits

The Dearborn automotive company will add its innovative MyKey safe driving technology to all of its newer model cars and trucks.

While many drivers acknowledge the risks associated with distracted driving, it is not enough to deter both teens and adults from using their phones on the road, a new survey from Ford Motor Co. reports.

The survey, conducted by the research firm of Penn Schoen Berland, shows that teens engage in several distracting activities behind the wheel. Of the 500 teens and 500 adults who participated in the survey, 62 percent of teen drivers admitted to being distracted by others in the car, while 61 percent admitted to eating or drinking while driving.

The study also found that 42 percent of teen drivers admit that they turn up the radio so loud that they can't hear vehicles nearby, and 51 percent say they listen to an iPod or MP3 player.

"The results of the survey should concern every parent, especially with summer vacations approaching," Kelly Felker, safety communications manager at Ford said.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, summer months tend to have the highest number of teen driver fatalities. The latest study from 2011 shows that there were 358 teen fatalities in traffic crashes during June, July and August, as compared to 271 fatalities in December, January and February.

"As summer begins, what can be the most fun season of the year for teens can also be the riskiest," Felker said.

Distinct differences in the driving tendencies of men and women drivers were also apparent in the survey. Of the teens participating, women were more likely to use a cell phone while driving (81 percent), while men were more likely to speed (81 percent), drive aggressively (87 percent), and drive under the influence of alcohol (80 percent).

Women were also more likely to drive safely (69 percent), drive defensively (63 percent), and wear a seatbelt (80 percent).

The survey found that parents are overwhelmingly concerned about their teen's driving habits, however only 26 percent of parents indicated that they use a safety device to reinforce good driving.

To help reduce the number of distracted drivers on the road, the automotive company is working to change driver habits through its innovative MyKey technology, said Andy Sarkisian, manager of Ford Safety Planning and Strategy.

MyKey debuted on the 2010 Ford Focus and is now standard on nearly 6 million Ford and Lincoln models. It allows owners to program a key that can limit the vehicle’s top speed and audio volume. MyKey also encourages safety-belt use, provides earlier low-fuel warnings and can be programmed to sound chimes at 45, 55 and 65 miles per hour.

In addition, the system offers a "Do Not Disturb" mode when paired with Ford SYNC technology. The "Do Not Disturb Mode" blocks incoming phone calls and text messages to a driver's cell phone. Calls are diverted to voicemail, and text messages are saved on the device for later viewing.

"MyKey can help promote safer driving, particularly among teens, by encouraging safety belt use, limiting speed and reducing distractions," Sarkisian said. "It's not about control. It's about love. It's about helping young children manage the transition from childhood to adulthood, and keeping them safer while they do it."

Sarkisian said MyKey is free to use and does not require a monthly subscription. Users can also turn the program on and off as they see fit. There are currently no plans to add the feature to older model vehicles.

"We understand that teenagers might not be driving the latest cars, but this is an investment in the future," he said.

The technology will be added to the 2014 Ford Fiesta available for purchase at dealerships across the country this summer.


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