Ford's "MyKey" technology hopes to cut down on car accidents involving teen drivers by issuing car owners a key that limits the car's speed and audio volume.

Think of it as PG-rated driving: MyKey, a new technology system that Ford demonstrated at the New York auto show, allows parents of teenage drivers to restrict what their offspring can do with the family car — in a minimal, not-so-intrusive way, of course.

MyKey pairs the ignition key’s fob with the car. Parents get one key with total control over the vehicle, while their children get the MyKey, with restrictions. Parents can limit the top speed of the car to 80 mph, set warning beeps to go off at either 45, 55, or 65mph and restrict the car stereo volume to 44% of the maximum volume.

Ford invented the technology as a way to help give parents of teen drivers piece of mind. A quick rundown of some of the technology's features includes a speed alert chime when car reaches 45, 55, and 65 miles per hour, the key can also be programmed to mute the car's radio if someone’s seatbelt is unbuckled.

In addition to safety the technology also hopes to help drivers be more fuel efficient by providing low fuel warnings to the driver a lot earlier.

Ford representatives will be at the Heritage Lincoln Mercury car dealership on West Genesee Street from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. to show people how the technology works.

In addition to Syracuse, company representatives will also be making stops in Buffalo, Rochester, Albany and Poughkeepsie.

Parents use an administrative key to program the teen's key fob. MyKey features:

• Limited top speed of 80 mph.
• Traction control system that limits tire spin and cannot be deactivated.
• Limited audio volume to 44 percent of total volume.
• A speed alert chime at 45, 55 or 65 mph.

Controlling speed means better fuel economy. Ford research shows that driving 55 instead of 65 consumes 15 percent less fuel.

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
•