Ford's new connected in-car system might seem revolutionary, but not everyone thinks it's such a great idea.

In fact, Common Sense Media calls it a "carnival in your car" and while it's an exciting development for wireless technology, "it's clearly a dangerous precedent for young drivers who already admit to being distracted," says James Steyer, CEO of the group.

At a Thursday keynote at the 2010 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Ford Motor Company CEO Alan Mulally and other Ford executives unveiled a host of wirelessly connected features for new Ford vehicles, including an in-car LCD screen, song tagging and voice-driven navigation, plus access to other mobile apps. Ford calls the system a "simpler, smarter, safer" way for drivers and passengers to stay connected while on the go.

In an interview, Steyer said he's not privy to any specifics, but he figures Ford consulted with safety experts on its design. Still, "at the end of the day, the No. 1 thing is getting someplace safely ... When you add more technology and media in a car, it clearly increases the risks of driving," especially for young drivers who love media and technology.

As many states crack down on texting while driving and other driver distractions, Common Sense Media is calling on Ford and other automakers to work on a driver's education program to teach the current generation of drivers and the next to minimize distraction and become safer operators who keep both eyes and minds on the road.