CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Each year more than 5,000 teens die in car accidents across the United States. 

A new product about to hit the market may make handing over the keys to your teenager a little bit easier.

The auto industry has been one of the hardest hit by the economy -- layoffs, plants closing, dealerships shutting down. It is a nasty economy, but the Ford company is faring better than others, even bringing some new technology to the table aimed at one thing -- saving lives.

"It's something anybody that has a teenager would want to have in their car," said Kirk Stump, president of Dale Jarrett Ford in Indian Trail.

It's called My Key. It's a little help from big brother.

"You, as a parent, you can decide what you want your child to be able to do," said Stump, who expects the product to drive sales.

By entering a code attached to the key, you can preset the volume of the radio, the maximum speed, even a seatbelt reminder chime that won't cut off. The key also sets traction control -- preventing spinning tires, which hinders street racing. When that key is in the ignition, the levels are set.

"We don't have to nag at them. It's being done for us quietly right now through the key," he said. "It's something anybody that has a teenager would want to have in their car. It gives them another reason to look at Ford."

Ford is hoping the new technology gives them an added boost for the bottom line in an auto market that is seeing more bang than buck.

"It's very tough in the automobile business. If you're running with everyone else you're going to get lost with everyone else," Stump said. "It gives you one more reason to consider a Ford car."

The My Key technology will be available initially in the 2010 Taurus and the Ford Focus that hit the market in August.

It will be standard on cars so you don't have to pay extra. For more information on the My Key technology click here.