DRIVERS are being warned to activate a hidden phone setting that could stop accidents, cut down repair costs, and prevent hefty fines.
A new study found one simple smartphone tool slashes distracted driving by nearly half, but many drivers don’t even know it exists.
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Cutting out texting while driving could save you from costly repair bills in the event of a crash along with fines imposed on drivers who are caught using their phones at the wheel.
In states like Maine, texting while driving can cost you $250 on the first offense. Elsewhere, fines start at $100.
Massachusetts banned texting behind the wheel in 2020 under its “hands-free” law, and nearly every state has similar restrictions.
But despite strict rules and rising crash deaths, thousands still pick up their phones while driving.
Distracted driving killed more than 3,200 people in 2023, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The “Do Not Disturb While Driving” feature was introduced by Apple in 2017 to curb these distractions, NBC local affiliate WWLP reported.
It blocks notifications while the car is in motion and can automatically turn on when driving is detected.
AAA researchers found the feature dramatically cut down phone use behind the wheel.
But many drivers don’t use it or even know it’s there.
The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety ran a 10-week on-road study with young adult drivers.
During the first five weeks, participants drove without any intervention.
In the next five weeks, the Do Not Disturb feature was activated on their smartphones.
The results were striking; there was a 41% drop in smartphone interactions during the test period.
Drivers were also 6% less likely to pick up their phone at all.
Before the study, 50% of drivers didn’t know their phone had the feature.
What defines ‘distracted driving’?
Distracted driving claims lives every year nationwide, and it’s 100% preventable
However, many drivers assume that distracted driving is limited to using their phone while behind the wheel.
While using a phone to text, call, send emails, scroll through or post to social media, and make or accept video calls is illegal nationwide, other behaviors can be just as distracting – and dangerous.
Other behaviors that distract drivers:
- Adjusting the radio or GPS
- Applying makeup in visor mirrors
- Eating and drinking, as it takes one or both hands from the wheel
- Reaching into the backseat to grab personal items
- Rummaging through a purse, glove box, or center console
Thankfully, driving distracted can be prevented. Here are some proven tactics to stay focused:
- Put your phone in “Do Not Disturb” or “Driving Mode,” as it temporarily pauses notifications, but will push a call or text through if urgent
- If distraction is difficult to avoid, put the phone in a safe place, like a purse, glove box, center console, or back seat
- If a text message or call needs to be sent or made, pull over and park
- Give the phone to a passenger when applicable to send a text or make a call
- Be a role model – practicing safe driving in front of impressionable passengers helps pass along safe behaviors
Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Connecticut Department of Transportation
Nearly 85% didn’t know how to use it.
And 65% had no idea it could be set to activate automatically.
After training, all participants understood the feature and how to turn it on.
Still, researchers found that fears about missing texts, calls, or music often kept drivers from using it.
AAA said many misunderstood how the tool worked, thinking it blocked essential functions like navigation.
Some also admitted to the fear of missing out on important messages while driving.
