DEARBORN - Ford is proud of its leading efforts in researching driver distraction that is shaping how we address the issue with new technologies, education programs and support of bans on hand-held texting while driving.

Research conducted by Ford and by many others shows that the most dangerous distractions are those that take a driver’s eyes away from the road for extended periods of time. Based on this research, Ford is developing technologies such as SYNC® and MyFord Touch™ that offer hands-free voice controls that allow a driver to keep their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel.

SYNC allows the driver to use voice commands to make phone calls, get directions and listen to music, while reducing the distraction associated with those activities. MyFord Touch extends the benefits of voice commands to conventional vehicle systems, like climate control.

As Ford leads the industry for in-car connectivity, the Blue Oval emphasizes that we all are responsible for the safe operation of vehicles, including minimizing distractions. In honor of national Distracted Driving Awareness month, Ford is asking employees and retirees to SYNC First.

SYNC First asks employees and retirees to pair their mobile devices, learn how to effectively use SYNC to control their mobile devices and to become an advocate for SYNC in the community.

In an internal poll, 75 percent of employees use voice activation for their mobile devices in SYNC-equipped vehicles at least most of the time. However, 25 percent of employees are not using SYNC frequently – with 8 percent who say they never use the system.

Included in the SYNC First Resource Kit is a SYNC quick reference guide to help get you on your way. You can also register online at syncmyride.com to view your Vehicle Health Report, set preferences for Traffic, Directions and Information and get the latest updates.

By using technologies like SYNC, employees and retirees are not only becoming safer drivers, they are helping make our communities better. Thirty states and the District of Columbia ban hand-held texting while driving; 12 of these laws were enacted just last year. Eight states and the District of Columbia prohibit drivers from using hand-held mobile devices while driving.

It’s a company policy too. The Mobile Communications Equipment Standard prohibits drivers from using all hand-held devices except when using a hands-free system such as SYNC or another Bluetooth device with voice commands while driving a Ford-owned vehicle.

The next time you get in a vehicle, SYNC First before you drive.