Can Apple’s Smartphone App Prevent the Temptation to Text and Drive?

Motorists who are using their mobile phones while driving are responsible for thousands of accidents each year. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) statistics suggest that mobile phone use while driving was responsible for 3,477 deaths during 2015. Apple’s recent iOS 11 update came with a new app that seeks to reduce deaths and injuries caused by mobile phone use while driving.The Do Not Disturb While Driving app was designed to prevent the temptation to use an iPhone behind the wheel. The app can detect when you are driving and disable most features on your iPhone until you come to a stop. If you do receive a text message, the sender will receive an automated reply that warns them you are driving. You can alter the settings to allow messages from certain people. People who are texting you can also type “urgent” in the message to bypass the settings.Do Not Disturb While Driving has flexible user options. There is more than one way to use the app. You can set the app to turn on automatically. This will cause the app to lock your phone once it detects you are driving. In addition, you can manually turn the app off and on. Finally, you can use the app with your vehicle’s Bluetooth. In this case, the app will still lock you out of most features but will allow you to take handsfree calls. If you are a parent with children who drive, you can keep your teenagers from turning off or modifying the app’s settings. You will need to go to your iPhone’s settings and change the restrictions for the app.The idea behind this app is quite simple. If you never receive a text message, then you cannot be tempted to answer. The temptation could also be less severe if you are unable to access your phone while driving.

What if I Have an Android Phone?

There are also anti-distracted driving apps for Android users. You could download Samsung’s In-Traffic Reply app. This app can also detect when you are driving and send automated message. AT&T’s DriveMode app (which is for both Android and iOS) can silence text messages and phone calls. It can also send automatic replies to people who are trying to call or send you text messages.Even though these apps are readily accessible to millions, there will still be thousands of distracted driving deaths each year. If you or a loved one were harmed by a distracted driver, then you may be able to hold them accountable for damages.The Texas distracted driving accident attorneys at Mike Love & Associates, LLC encourage safe driving. For future updates on driving safety, continue following our blog.