If you’re parent to a creature currently undergoing the “adolescent” phase of life, this is the break you’ve been looking for.

Ford’s new key “MyKey” technology car allows parents/anyone who owns the car to set the top speed of the vehicle, and max volume of the vehicle sound system. We think that second feature is spiteful. But clever.

Having been rolled out in the ultra-Nanny State that is Britain, the theory is that MyKey will reduce the number of young drivers wrapping themselves around lamp posts. Car accidents in Britain are the biggest killer in the 17-25 year old age group. And here you thought the real danger was a pervasive indifference to hard work and a tendency to rely on the state for one’s every material need.

How does it work? Excellent question.

There are two sets of keys to the same car. One set allows you to set the speed limit and control the volume, the other isn’t. Basically, give the lame set of keys to the teenager.

The new technology is set to be launched in South Africa this year.

[Source: BBC News]