A patented safety function automatically brings the vehicle to a stop if a door or the trunk is open immediately after the engine is started or when the driver attempts to set off.

The goal is to prevent unintended movement that could trigger a crash risk or endanger nearby pedestrians and other road users. By stepping in at that delicate moment, the feature helps keep a small lapse from becoming something serious.

The intervention is aimed at situations where the driver isn’t pressing the brake pedal firmly enough to hold the car after a stop—for example, when passengers are getting out or someone is retrieving items from the trunk.

The patent highlights Ford’s intent to improve driving safety and reduce the likelihood of accidents tied to human error or technical slip-ups. It’s a simple idea executed with purpose, adding a quiet layer of protection precisely when a car might otherwise begin to move beyond the driver’s immediate control.