Apple announces new 'do not disturb while driving' mode
Apple has announced that its next iPhone software update will feature a ‘do not disturb while driving’ mode.
Due later this year, the iOS 11 update will provide all iPhones with the function, which is designed to address the dangers associated with smartphones and distraction.
The software will sense when a person is driving, and when activated will block notifications from calls, texts and social media. The user won't even be able to access the phone’s homescreen to open apps.
The driver will be able to set an automatic text response to notify anyone attempting to make contact that they’re currently behind the wheel.
The new feature will assume a person is driving if their phone is connected to the car via Bluetooth. Alternatively, it will use a phone's WiFi antenna to sense when it’s moving at car speeds.
Passengers will be able to override the feature by turning on the screen with the iPhone power button and then clicking on a button marked ‘I'm not driving’.
Once the update has taken place, Apple will prompt drivers to use the new feature on the first occasion that they drive with an iOS 11-powered iPhone.
AA president Edmund King said: "Our research shows that we need to do more to stop drivers using their phones at the wheel, and technology can help.
"More than half of young drivers can't bring themselves to turn off their mobile phones before driving.
"Whilst the responsibility for not using a handheld phone at the wheel lies firmly with the driver, we welcome developments such as Do Not Disturb While Driving, which could remove the temptation to answer the phone for some drivers."
Related news, events and information
Mobile phones contributing to road safety
1 November 2013 – Story from the Global Road Safety Partnership Mobile phones are now very well established as a part of...
Teenage drivers blocked from texting
12 January 2009 – Reckless teenagers who use their mobile phones to send texts while driving could soon find Big Brother, or...
Hands free is dangerous
1 August 2006 – New research suggests that using a hands-free kit while at the wheel is as dangerous as drink driving. The...
Motorists continue to flout mobile phone laws
19 January 2009 – More than a third of motorists (36%) still admit to using a handheld mobile phone while driving their car, with...
Smartphone apps creating more distraction
26 April 2012 – Recent survey findings from RoadSafe partner ingenie®, the car insurance brand for young drivers, reveal...
ING Car Lease uncovers risky mobile phone business
5 September 2009 – The recession is encouraging more company car drivers to take calls when behind the wheel, according to a...
Mobile Phone Regulations Tightened
19 November 2021 – Any use of hand-held mobile phone while driving to become illegal RoadSafe welcomes the publication by the UK...
Think! switch off before you drive off
1 February 2008 – A new THINK! campaign to highlight the dangers of using a mobile phone when driving was launched today it runs...
Volvo 'IDIS' Helps the Driver Avoid Distractions in Busy Situations
1 November 2006 – IDIS: Intelligent Driver Information System An electronic 'personal assistant' to prevent the driver from...