According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, eight people are killed each day in crashes involving distracted driving.
To help prevent such tragedies, Apple is getting ready to introduce a new iPhone feature in the fall to help users resist the urge to answer a text message while behind the wheel. The new IOS11 update will be released very soon.
How Does It Work?
With the update, iPhones and iPads will have a “Do Not Disturb” option that you can turn on while driving. You can set it up, so your screen disables all notifications or sends auto-replies to your contacts that you are driving and will get back to them when you’re done.
When a phone is connected to a car via Bluetooth or cable or especially if the vehicle is moving, the feature will prevent notifications like text messages, from coming through to the phone. This a great feature for teenagers that drive and their worried parents.
What about the other features?
While engaged, the iPhone screen will lock to prevent drivers from using other apps while driving. Apple Maps, navigation and Google Maps will still operate.
The feature can be turned off as needed and is optional for passengers. Apple hopes that by preventing notifications from coming through, the urge to check your phone will be decreased and hopefully, eliminated.
Distracted driving is a huge problem in our society and has contributed to the increase in road fatalities.
As a personal injury law firm, we know firsthand the damage and destruction that can come from a car crash. Lives can be changed forever, and lives can be lost.
Driving distracted isn’t worth it.
The State of Arizona is one of only a very few remaining states without a comprehensive ban on texting and driving. The Governor of Texas recently signed a law, banning texting in driving in that state. Oro Valley, Tucson, and Pima County all have ordinances on their books.
