Ford has commissioned Kelton Research to carry out the survey and investigate whether teen and tween children listen to their parents when it comes to driving habits. Predictably, the survey invlolving about 908 people has shown that the generation gap exists even at the wheel.

According to the survey, nearly all (95 percent) parents believe they’re safe drivers, while 82 percent of children report seeing their parents taking risky actions while driving. At the same time, the majority of teen and tween respondents have confirmed that they refer to their parents as the main example of driving behavior.

In consideration of these findings as well remembering the appalling statistics, according to which car accidents remain one of the key reasons of teen deaths on American roads, Ford continues working on its Driving Skills for Life program by bringing its complementary training to 30 more markets in 2011 and providing parents and new drivers with technologically advanced tools and driving skills. To date, about 400,000 students have participated in the program, which comprises hands-on driving lessons along with web-based learning and tutorials built into school curricula.

Also, the company has hosted an interactive panel discussion with the participation of family communications expert Dr. Charles Sophy as well as Ford employees representing Driving Skills for Life program. Andy Sarkisian, Ford safety planning and strategy manager who is one of the creators of Ford’s MyKey teen driving safety technology and his daughter Lauren, who inspired the innovation after two crashes, were also present at the panel.

Everything about a car shall ensure driver’s safety, even if it takes forcing a young driver to stick to safe driving habits. In recognition of this belief, Ford has introduced what it calls ‘Safer driving tools’ that include:

• MyKey – Programmable teen safety feature that limits the vehicle’s top speed (the speed limit options are 65, 70, 75 or 80 mph) and even audio volume to 44 percent of total volume. MyKey also controls seat belt use by muting the audio system if front occupants aren’t buckled up and can be programmed to block inappropriate radio content

• SYNC® – Hands-free communication technology that synchronises with a user’s mobile phone and music player so they can more safely make calls and listen to their favorite songs.

• Intelligent vehicles – Ford is the first automaker to tour the country with prototypes of “talking vehicles” with advanced Wi-Fi technology that one day could alert drivers of potential collisions they don’t see and reduce traffic congestion and wasted fuel.