In June, Apple made an announcement according to
TechCrunch about an iPhone update that could reduce the number of distracted driving
accidents on roads across the country. The latest software version in
testing, iOS11, will have a “Do Not Disturb While Driving” feature-
a customizable phone setting that motorists can turn on to disable ALL
notifications. If you’re navigationally challenged like me, don’t
worry, even with this feature on you will still be able to play music
and use navigation. Parents can even enable this new Do Not Disturb While
Driving feature through Apple’s parental controls system. An update
of this sort has been long overdue because as we know, many drivers are
unable to resist the immediate temptation to check their phone when that
notification pops up. Android already offers a distracted driving prevention
feature. Apple’s update is set to release to the public in September
of this year.
Today, it is hard to imagine what life was like before smartphones. However,
texting, checking email and social media, and other distractions have
undeniably contributed to the ever rising number of collisions on our
roadways. The U.S. Department of Transportation reports that 10% of fatal
crashes, 15% of crashes resulting in injury, and 14% of traffic crashes
were all attributed to distracted driving, stating that distracted driving
is now a crisis in America. Translate those figures- in 2015 there were
3,477 people killed, and 391,000 injured. Bear in mind, distracted driving
is a blanket term, but this new iPhone feature has the potential to dramatically
decrease these statistics.
While we know not every iPhone user will take advantage of this safety
feature, making a Do Not Disturb while Driving mode is a step in the right
direction.
In the unfortunate event that you or a loved one are involved in a collision
due to a distracted driver,
contact the experienced attorneys at Tabor Law Firm today. The initial consultation is free, and we work on a contingency
fee basis, meaning you pay nothing until your case is settled.
