Ford continues to explore ways to make in-vehicle technology more intuitive, and its latest patent filing focuses on a problem many drivers have experienced at least once. The automaker has filed a patent for an unattended phone call prevention system that could be used in future Ford vehicles, aiming to reduce accidental calls made while a phone is paired to a vehicle.

In recent months, Ford has published several patents centered on improving how vehicles interact with smartphones. These have included concepts for smarter charging strategies and even systems designed to recharge and sanitize mobile devices. This new idea takes a more practical and everyday approach by addressing accidental calls, often caused when a phone is in a pocket or bag.

According to the patent, the system would analyze a combination of factors such as the phone’s location, the user’s typical calling behavior, and data from a dedicated algorithm. Using this information, the vehicle could determine whether a call was likely made unintentionally while the phone was unattended.

If a potential accidental call is detected, the system would alert the driver through the vehicle’s infotainment screen. The user could then choose to either continue the call or end it, helping prevent awkward or unnecessary conversations without completely blocking legitimate calls.

As with all patent filings, this technology does not guarantee it will reach production. However, it highlights Ford’s ongoing focus on refining the digital experience inside its vehicles by solving small but common frustrations that drivers encounter in daily life.