Ford Motor Company has filed a new patent that could transform how vehicles communicate and promote safety on the road. Published on July 17th, 2025, this patent (serial number 0229771) outlines a system where future Ford vehicles may be able to detect other vehicles operating in suboptimal condition and relay that information to both drivers and surrounding vehicles using vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) or vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communication.

The idea is part of a broader trend of smart diagnostics from Ford, which has already filed patents for systems that detect worn tires, failing parts, and even impaired driving. This latest innovation would identify issues like improperly secured loads or mechanical failures in nearby vehicles and then notify both the driver of the affected vehicle and others nearby. It’s a step toward using smart tech to proactively reduce on-road hazards and improve overall traffic safety.

While the idea of your car “ratting out” another might sound funny, the system is designed with public safety in mind. By alerting drivers to potential hazards around them—like an unsafe trailer connection or erratic vehicle behavior—Ford aims to prevent accidents before they happen. The vehicle experiencing the issue would also get an internal alert, giving its driver a chance to fix the problem quickly.

Ford emphasized that filing patents doesn’t guarantee production, but it does reflect the company’s ongoing investment in innovation. The potential of this system is significant, showcasing how future Ford vehicles might not only monitor themselves for maintenance but also contribute to safer roads for everyone.