In an effort to enhance road safety, Apple has introduced a new feature designed to help drivers stay focused on the road rather than their smartphones. Statistics reveal that a significant number of parents—62%—admit to checking or answering phone calls while driving. This highlights how easily distractions can occur. Even when drivers resist the urge to pick up their phones, the temptation to glance at notifications can be overwhelming.
Introducing the ‘Do Not Disturb While Driving’ Feature
To tackle this issue, Apple unveiled the “Do Not Disturb While Driving” feature in iOS 11, aimed at minimizing distractions for drivers. Announced on Monday, this feature will mute notifications on your device while driving. It also sends automated replies to your designated “favorites” when you receive messages, reassuring them that you’ll respond once you’ve reached your destination. The feature can detect when you are driving by connecting to Bluetooth and monitoring speed, ensuring that the “Do Not Disturb” functionality is activated.
Once enabled, this feature dims your screen and silences incoming notifications. If someone texts you, they will receive an automatic response stating, “I’ll see your message when I get where I’m going,” alleviating the pressure to reply immediately.
The Impact of Distracted Driving
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), distracted driving results in over eight fatalities and more than 1,161 injuries every day in the U.S. Distractions can come from various sources, including phone calls, texts, navigation systems, or even managing kids in the backseat. However, experts believe the actual number of distracted driving incidents may be underreported, as drivers often do not admit to being distracted or there may not be witnesses to the event.
Tech expert Jamie Winters commented, “This feature is a significant advancement in promoting road safety. It ensures that drivers keep their attention where it belongs—on the road.” While some might suggest simply placing the phone out of sight, the reality is that many are unlikely to do so. If this feature can contribute to safer roads and potentially save lives, it’s a step in the right direction.
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Conclusion
In summary, Apple’s new “Do Not Disturb While Driving” feature aims to reduce distractions for drivers by silencing notifications and sending automated responses to incoming messages. This initiative could significantly enhance road safety and help prevent accidents caused by distracted driving.