Ford's MyKey programmable ignition key embeds restrictions and reminders that will likely make teens safer drivers. It replaces one noise (radio at high volume) with gentler warning noises (chimes as the car hits 45, 55 and 65 mph). Until the occupants buckle up, the radio mutes, and once underway, it's limited to half-volume. MyKey is a special key available soon on the 2010 Ford Focus to be followed by most other Ford and Lincoln cars and trucks in the 2010 model year. The key can be programmed by the car owner. MyKey also last week was honored with the 2009 Traffic Safety Achievement Award at the New York International Auto Show's World Traffic Safety Symposium.

Ford researchers say the average teen driver somes up short on four key (so to speak) skills areas: hazard recognition, vehicle handling, space management, and what Ford quaintly calls "speed management." With MyKey, parents can program in some or all of these reminders and restrictions to allow teens to build seat time and become better drivers, but with limits and prompts. (List after the jump.)

Top speed limit. Parents can set the top speed limit, although this mostly keeps someone from going 100 mph but not 80 mph, since Ford says it's important to be able to speed up briefly in a hazardous situation.

Speed warnings. Chimes can sound at 45, 55 and 65 mph to remind teens to stay within speed limits.

Seat-belt interlock. In the 1970s, your car wouldn't start until you buckled the seat belt. (That federal mandate didn't last long.) With MyKey's BeltMinder feature, until everyone buckles up, the radio won't play. If you don't buckle up, you get a once-a-minute warning chime for five minutes (then it gives up). There's also an instrument-cluster message center display, "Buckle Up to Unmute Radio."

Audio volume limits. When the radio does play, it can be limited to half-volume. An enterprising teen might realize you could get a few more decibels out of the radio by using a line-in jack with your iPod, rather than Ford's direct Sync connector, and turn the iPod volume all the way up.

What MyKey does now is just a start, says Jim Buczkowski, Ford's global director of electronics systems: "Imagine what you could do with GPS worked in." Meaning, for instance, that instead of generic speed warning chimes, you might sound a chime when the car passes 55, 60, and 65 mph on a 55 mph highway. Or have an electronic fence that sounds an alert - and maybe rats out the teen driver to mom and dad - if the car is driven where it's not supposed to be, or late at night.