October 8, 2008
A Welcome Idea
I can't say I've got a problem with this:
So you think junior is a little too lead-footed when he drives the family car? Starting next year, Ford Motor Co. will give you the power to do something about it.The company will roll out a new feature on many 2010 models that can limit teen drivers to 80 mph, using a computer chip in the key.
Parents also have the option of programming the teen's key to limit the audio system's volume, and to sound continuous alerts if the driver doesn't wear a seat belt.
Of course, nothing beats prior education and trust, but my teenage years were a testament to the case-by-case ineffectuality of that strategy.
Justin, the engineer or team of engineers at Ford who came up with this idea should be nominated for a Nobel prize, or at least a MacArthur genius grant! This is good old fashioned American ingenuity at its best.
Posted by: observer at October 8, 2008 7:16 AM[Billy Jean strikes again!]
First of all, restricting the volume on the music?? Sacrilege.
As for the built-in governor, yes, great idea. But it should be limited to 40 mph, not 80. One of the biggest problems for new drivers seems to be learning how to take curves; i.e., the necessity to slow down for them. It's certainly possible to flip a car even at 40 but the difference is that perhaps at that speed, it's survivable.
Posted by: Monique at October 8, 2008 2:17 PM