Ford Motor Company engineers are working on technology to make cars safer by tuning out distractions during critical driving maneuvers.

With more drivers sending and receiving phone calls and text messages from their cars, Ford is developing technology to remove those distractions at critical times.

Jeff Greenberg of the Ford Research Center said the aim is to allow drivers to have the digital accessories they want while giving the safety they need.

"Customers want to bring their digital life into the car and we would like to do is make it more pleasant and safer," Greenberg said.

Systems under development would block calls and texts if they recognize the driver is passing or accelerating on a freeway.

Sensors would also detect driver stress from the grip on the steering wheel and even measure the driver's heart rate and respiration.  Sweaty hands would also be monitored.

Ford engineers said this technology won't be on next year's models, but they hope to have it available soon.