New technology to protect teen drivers is hitting Florida’s roadways. Ford is unveiling its MyKey Technology in an effort to curb teen road fatalities. The MyKey technology will limit the car’s maximum speed and stereo volume when a teen is behind the wheel. The radio won’t even play if the driver isn’t wearing a seatbelt

Cars with the MyKey technology are available at Ford dealers throughout the state. The MyKey tech is considered a standard feature in most 2010 Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury vehicles.

Kelly Jones is only 17, but she’s already learned some hard lessons about safe driving. Last year a car wreck claimed her friend’s life. “That was really sobering for the whole school” said Jones. “And I think it was a lesson, a sad one, of just how important safety is.”

Traffic accidents are the leading cause of death among teens. 200 drivers ages 15 to 19 died last year in Florida alone. Ford is using MyKey Technology to cut down on this number.

This new technology allows parents to give their teens a special car key that caps the cars’ maximum speed at 80. There’s also a feature for teens who like to blare their music. The MyKey technology limits the stereo’s volume to 65 percent.

Ford Motor Company Spokeswoman Audrey Stone says the technology provides an incentive to drive safe. “We don’t want to have our teenagers distracted these days,” says Stone. “We feel like the 65 percent volume capacity is plenty enough for the teenager to enjoy their driving experience but also stay safe.”

The MyKey Cars also display messages on a dashboard screen, signaling to drive safely or buckle up. However, the most important instruction needs to come from parents long before the child ever gets behind the wheel.