Method and apparatus for volume reduction in a vehicle

A method, apparatus, and computer instructions for managing an audio system volume in a vehicle. A radio frequency transmission having a selected frequency is detected through a sensor coupled to the audio system. The selected frequency for this transmission is typically used by a mobile telecommunications device within the vehicle. The audio system volume is reduced in response to detecting the radio frequency transmission, until an absence of the radio frequency transmission occurs. When the radio frequency transmission terminates, the audio system volume is changed, typically to the level present prior to the radio frequency transmission being detected.