iPhone’s New “Do Not Disturb While Driving” Feature Quiets Driver Distractions

Among the many new features of Apple’s new operating system iOS11, set to launch in Fall 2017, the “Do Not Disturb While Driving” feature will allow drivers to automatically silence calls, alerts, and notifications and keep driving distractions minimal. Developers say they are hopeful the new feature will prevent accidents caused by texting or other phone distractions.

With the automatic setting, Do Not Disturb While Driving will turn on whenever an iPhone detects the acceleration of a vehicle. While active, the new feature will mute incoming phone calls, notifications, and text messages, and the iPhone’s screen will stay dark. For texts, there is an option to send contacts a message that lets them know the person they are trying to reach is driving and will get back to them once a driver has safely arrived at their destination.

Use Do Not Disturb Features Now

Although this new feature is highly anticipated to be popular by roadway officials, we want to remind drivers that they don’t have to wait for the newest operating system to silence their phone from driving distractions – they actually just need a bit more will power. Apple offers these instructions on how to change the settings to enable and disable the Do Not Disturb feature on the iPhone.

• When Do Not Disturb is on, you’ll see a crescent moon in the color gray in the status bar OR;
• Swipe up from the bottom of the screen to open Control Center. Then tap the purple and gray moon image.

If you don’t want to be disturbed at a certain time, you can set a schedule. Tap Settings > Do Not Disturb and turn on Scheduled. Then set a time. You can also choose when you want to receive alerts, calls, and notifications:

• Allow Calls From: Allow calls from everyone, no one, your favorites, or specific contact groups stored on your device or iCloud.
• Repeated Calls: If someone calls you twice within three minutes, the call won’t be silenced.
• Silence: Choose to silence calls and notifications always or only when the device is locked.

Technology Creates Deadly Distractions

Distracted driving can be caused by cell phones and personal technology. Many states, including Kentucky, have enacted laws against texting or the use of mobile devices while driving. In Kentucky, House Bill 415 bans texting for drivers of all ages while the vehicle is in motion. But even with a law in place, the number of people checking their phones, texting, or using apps like FaceTime while operating a motor vehicle, is stunning. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), driver distraction is the leading factor in most crashes.

• Nearly 80 percent of crashes and 65 percent of near-crashes involve some form of distraction within three seconds before the event.
• In 2014, there were over 53,500 crashes resulting in over 14,000 injuries and 169 fatalities due to distracted driving in Kentucky.

If you have been involved in an accident because of the negligence of a distracted driver, we offer free initial consultations and all cases are taken on a contingency fee basis. Call us at 888-709-9329 or contact us by e-mail to schedule an appointment with one of our personal injury attorneys.