RE: Ford's 'dad in the dashboard'

RE: Ford's 'dad in the dashboard'

Author
Discussion

theseoldcars

49 posts

146 months

Thursday 22nd November 2012
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You can only limit it to 80mph so, while interesting, it's not going to do much.

vwfanatico

42 posts

175 months

Thursday 22nd November 2012
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Seems a good idea, but having the speed control linked to the speed limit for the road they areon would be better.

Plus having this system would put off the kind of passengers that might encourage an otherwise responsible teenager to "push the limit". Peer pressure is hard to combat.

The limited stereo volume would also help

Guvernator

13,164 posts

166 months

Thursday 22nd November 2012
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CypherP said:
Why should it be extended to every motorist? The idea is a fair one and if they made it work in the right way, it could be beneficial for all. I think what you're struggling to see is the bigger application of this type of system. From your OTT reaction, you seem to think that the introduction of a system like this would spell the end of enjoyable motoring for every driver. Actually, if limitations were introduced for young/learner drivers and it went some way in the prevention of dangerous driving and/or fatal collisions, it may go towards premiums being reduced and lower claims, as well as an alternative to the more responsible young driver who is forced to pay an unbelievable insurance premium for the first few years as a driver.

I agree that I wouldn't like the government to decide to enforce this upon every driver, and being 26 with a clear licence, great car and low premium makes me happy that I have this outlook and know and understand both mine and the law's limitations. It doesn't mean I'm reduced to driving at 50% of the speed limit on a Sunday, nervously dabbing at the brakes.
Yes while I agree with some of that in principal, there is one massive fly in the ointment. Do you really think our government would be open to the idea of you being able to turn this black box off if you are an older\more experienced driver? There is no way on hells earth that would happen.

Once that box was in, it would be on permanently and would be used as a massive revenue generator and have little to do with safety and even less to do with letting you have fun in your car (which will probably be outlawed soon anyway). I think you'd have to be very naive if you thought otherwise and I personally will fight tooth and nail to try to ensure that these systems don't go ahead in my driving lifetime.

Edited by Guvernator on Thursday 22 November 13:43

Si_man306

458 posts

186 months

Thursday 22nd November 2012
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Sorry....young people are responsible enough to be on the road and drive 70mph surrounded by other people but not responsible enough to set the STEREO VOLUME?!

I think the world needs to take a good look at itself..

IanMorewood

4,309 posts

249 months

Thursday 22nd November 2012
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simonrockman said:
Which means you've either got to have the music off or the seatbelt on when parked in a field shagging.
Plug the belt in without you inside the belt and then slip inside the hottie you have in the car, some folks never learn............


The Obeast

99 posts

145 months

Thursday 22nd November 2012
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I have no idea if anyone has mentioned it but 2 things i want to say.

1 how about a setting that the car wont start if the drivers belt isnt in use, rather than the stereo not working?

2 if a youngster is restricted on a car in some cases could it not lead to them being mire reckless in an unrestricted vehicle?

Anyway I wouldnt let my son drive my car anyhow, hes only 6!!

PtheP

66 posts

141 months

Thursday 22nd November 2012
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Almost makes me glad I'm an orphan (but then I am 56 )

PtheP

66 posts

141 months

Thursday 22nd November 2012
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Almost makes me glad I'm an orphan (but then I am 56 )

walsh

652 posts

160 months

Thursday 22nd November 2012
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Soon to be applied to company cars everywhere...

will261058

1,115 posts

193 months

Thursday 22nd November 2012
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I think this is a load of arse. My eldest has been driving for around 18 mths and in that time he has had some minor bumps ( tree stump, bridge - dont ask, and a deer ) he has learnt from these events and its made him a better driver and I am very proud of him. This system probably would not have prevented any of these but taking away risk only fools us into a false feeling of security. You learn by your mistakes but you must be able to make them first!

CypherP

4,387 posts

193 months

Thursday 22nd November 2012
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Guvernator said:
Yes while I agree with some of that in principal, there is one massive fly in the ointment. Do you really think our government would be open to the idea of you being able to turn this black box off if you are an older\more experienced driver? There is no way on hells earth that would happen.

Once that box was in, it would be on permanently and would be used as a massive revenue generator and have little to do with safety and even less to do with letting you have fun in your car (which will probably be outlawed soon anyway). I think you'd have to be very naive if you thought otherwise and I personally will fight tooth and nail to try to ensure that these systems don't go ahead in my driving lifetime.

Edited by Guvernator on Thursday 22 November 13:43
I'm still not entirely sure how you've managed to turn 'Ford's new MyKey system' into 'Government ruins driving for all motorists by installing black box device'.

Steady on old chap, it hasn't happened yet. There have already been a number of attempts for these types of systems to be introduced, but that isn't what this is about, is it. I admire manufacturers being creative in their use of new technology and bearing in mind that this is being aimed at a demographic that is notorious for high premiums and irresponsible driving, I'm hardly surprised they are choosing to take innovation into their own hands, instead of those officials who are less than capable and controlling it. Yes, it isn't a full-on detterent, but it's a good start.

Every year I'm asked if I'd like to have a device installed in my car for the sake of a £100 or so reduction on my insurance premium. I drive around 40 miles a day, mostly through rural and urban areas and rarely see the low side of 50mph. Knowing my own limitations and responsibilities, I'd have no problem with the device being installed in terms of my driving manner, but its the principal that prevents me from agreeing. Although I'm confident in the way I drive, I don't want someone peering over my shoulder if I happen to brake harder than usual, or I nudge 1mph over the speed limit.

This isn't aimed at preventing us or anyone from driving in the manner we see fit though. It is simply a means of controlling limitations for those who may otherwise use a lack of to their advantage. Any system that will deter irresponsible driving and protect young drivers and/or other motorists is a positive one in my mind.

Oh, and i'll edit to say, I'm not saying that everyone needs to drive everywhere like a Sunday morning church parade, but I'd rather drive home from work in the evening without a 106 or Clio slip-streaming me like an F1 car with DRS enabled or hacking through the village we live in at rate fast enough to time travel.

Edited by CypherP on Thursday 22 November 14:03

seismic22

644 posts

170 months

Thursday 22nd November 2012
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Cotton wool society gone mad. My dislike of modern car is ever increasing.

Im 24, crashed my first car 6 months on from passing my test and it made me a much much much better driver. 6+ years on and I've only had one more crash and that was a couple of months ago and I was purposely messing about with the TC off at night on an empty road with no passenger!

Dont get me wrong, crashing is bad and reducing the number of incidents is a good thing but you have got to realise the limits of a car to understand when and when not to be a silly bugger, electronically limiting cars is not the way to do it

Hellbound

2,500 posts

177 months

Thursday 22nd November 2012
quotequote all
Guvernator said:
Yes while I agree with some of that in principal, there is one massive fly in the ointment. Do you really think our government would be open to the idea of you being able to turn this black box off if you are an older\more experienced driver? There is no way on hells earth that would happen.

Once that box was in, it would be on permanently and would be used as a massive revenue generator and have little to do with safety and even less to do with letting you have fun in your car (which will probably be outlawed soon anyway). I think you'd have to be very naive if you thought otherwise and I personally will fight tooth and nail to try to ensure that these systems don't go ahead in my driving lifetime.

Edited by Guvernator on Thursday 22 November 13:43
What's all this talk of 'the government'. This is a product for an entry level car designed to attract parents who buy such vehicles for their children.

It's designed to attract sales and make more money.

Why on earth would Ford suddenly decide to stick government black boxes in their cars? Do you really think people would rush out to buy a Ford if that were the case? No. I think you've got your facts mixed up.

The only way for there to be COMPULSORY black boxes in our cars is if it became an EU law.

gambisk

184 posts

166 months

Thursday 22nd November 2012
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It's not really that new, my wifes 2007 corsa had this as standard on the base model. You could set a speed limiter that was connected to the key, you could also configure a few other options like setero volume and stuff so that when you put the key in it recalled your preferences. The limiter was mostly useless as the car struggled to move itself but the concept is nothing new.

Norbury90

6,897 posts

207 months

Thursday 22nd November 2012
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I listen to music pretty loudly when i'm in my car, but it doesn't make me suddenly drive like an idiot. It's only sound...? Who have Ford got doing their research? Surely anyone with a bit of common sense would realise that they are making themselves look stupid.

If someone forced this system on me I would probably take it upon myself to drive like a moron to prove that it is still possible despite the restrictions.

People need to be taught to drive properly, not be subject to idiotic things like this to try to minimise the problem. It won't work. It's obvious. Stupid Ford. I wonder how much money they have wasted trying to make this system be a success.

Hellbound

2,500 posts

177 months

Thursday 22nd November 2012
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seismic22 said:
Cotton wool society gone mad. My dislike of modern car is ever increasing.

Im 24, crashed my first car 6 months on from passing my test and it made me a much much much better driver. 6+ years on and I've only had one more crash and that was a couple of months ago and I was purposely messing about with the TC off at night on an empty road with no passenger!

Dont get me wrong, crashing is bad and reducing the number of incidents is a good thing but you have got to realise the limits of a car to understand when and when not to be a silly bugger, electronically limiting cars is not the way to do it
You're right. All drivers should crash twice in order for them to learn the limits of a car. rolleyes

Electronic intervention works. Stability control etc all work. Trucks and heavy goods vehicles are limited, either by intervention or through monitoring. It works. This is just an extension of that. Not this particular system of course, but the idea and what's in store for us in the future will only be implemented if its shown to work.

You lot must have been saints or really lucky because I remember many occasions where young drivers local to me have lost their lives and taken their passengers with them due to dangerous driving.

It's inevitable that one day we'll all be restricted on public roads. That's why we have tracks. Learn 'the limits' of your car on a bloody track.

P1H

418 posts

149 months

Thursday 22nd November 2012
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This thread has really brought out all the boring old sods who I thought were largely confined to the ''Advanced Driving'' section. (not strictly fair)

It is unnecessary and probably ineffective technology in my opinion.



Merkypast

25 posts

139 months

Thursday 22nd November 2012
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The best way to make any new driver a safe driver in my opinion is to have them do a spell on small motorcycles first.

Without exception, the drivers I know who came from motorcycles are far better drivers than those who stepped straight into a car. We (ex bikers) generally have a far greater understanding of road conditions, likely dangers, etc, etc. Purely because we'd have long since been killed or injured on bikes if we didn't! On a bike, you pay dearly and painfully for every mistake.

Obviously it's not practical for everyone due to some people's physical limitations and such, but I think a history of surviving motorcycles should count for something with insurance companies when it comes to a youngster insuring his first car.

Hellbound

2,500 posts

177 months

Thursday 22nd November 2012
quotequote all
Si_man306 said:
Sorry....young people are responsible enough to be on the road and drive 70mph surrounded by other people but not responsible enough to set the STEREO VOLUME?!

I think the world needs to take a good look at itself..
Radio 1 would be banned. Radio 4 is available at full volume. The system also checks the genre of music too.

Anything by anyone related to X Factor is naturally, banned.

P1H

418 posts

149 months

Thursday 22nd November 2012
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Merkypast said:
The best way to make any new driver a safe driver in my opinion is to have them do a spell on small motorcycles first.

Without exception, the drivers I know who came from motorcycles are far better drivers than those who stepped straight into a car. We (ex bikers) generally have a far greater understanding of road conditions, likely dangers, etc, etc. Purely because we'd have long since been killed or injured on bikes if we didn't! On a bike, you pay dearly and painfully for every mistake.

Obviously it's not practical for everyone due to some people's physical limitations and such, but I think a history of surviving motorcycles should count for something with insurance companies when it comes to a youngster insuring his first car.
I'm sure the 80% of 17 year olds that survived this spell on motorcyles would be far better drivers....

I don't mean to be callous, but we are talking about ways to "reduce" road accidents/deaths!