Apple’s “Do Not Disturb While Driving” Feature

Within recent years, cellphones have become increasingly more dangerous to drivers. Due to advancing technology, there are various cellphone features that are available today that were not previously available. Whether it is social media apps, making phone calls, or looking on the internet, various distractions pose dangers for drivers using their cellphones. In an effort to combat the dangers that cellphones pose, Apple launched a “Do Not Disturb While Driving” mode. This new feature is focused on eliminating texting while driving, as well as muting other alerts to minimize driver distractions.

Experts have studied a tremendous increase in auto accidents since smart phones were originally introduced. Some application developers have attempted to combat cellphone usage while driving with apps that do not function while the vehicle is in motion. However, for most smart phones, it is difficult to interfere with certain iOS functions.

Along with application developers, some mobile carriers have attempted their own measures to eliminate cell phone usage by drivers. AT&T developed “DriveMode”, which silences text alerts and calls. The major downside of this feature is that it does not silence push notifications from mobile applications.

As application developers continue to explore this issue, it appears that apps can simply monitor the solution, rather than block out the activity altogether. Apple’s new “Do Not Disturb While Driving” feature senses when your vehicle is moving, if your phone is connected to Bluetooth or the car’s USB connection. If your phone is not connected to the car, it will utilize the iPhone’s sensors to determine the vehicle speed.

It is important to note the iPhone is not entirely muted, and certain functions still work like playing music or GPS. When the vehicle is moving, an automated response of “I’m driving with Do Not Disturb turned on. I’ll see your message when I get where I’m going” will be sent. Although the “Do Not Disturb While Driving” feature is still being perfected, hopefully this will dramatically decrease driver distractions and thus lower the number of auto accidents each year. 

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