Ford targets mobile phone use in cars

November 2011

New safety features limiting mobile phone use in the car will be available in selected Ford models next year.

Changes in technology have enabled the car manufacturer to introduce software that reduces the distraction that mobile phones provide when driving.

An update to the existing SYNC software will enable the driver to have their text messages read out loud, allowing the driver to keep his or her eyes on the road.

The SYNC interfacing system already allows for voice commands to be sent to different devices via a Bluebooth connection.

In addition, Ford is set to introduce the MyKey system - enabling parents to further limit their children’s in-car access to phone messages, with the prospect of blocking speeding also on the horizon.

MyKey works by selectively blocking Bluetooth-enabled tones from getting through the car’s sound system, instead sending all calls to voicemail and SMS messages silently to the phone itself.

A Ford representative told Australian news website Gizmodo that while the anti-speeding feature is currently not available on local shores, it is possible the technology would "roll out over time through the Ford group in specific markets".

"A lot of work is required to 'localise' many new technologies so they work in Australian conditions and this is something Ford is continually doing as newer Ford cars are sold here.”