Can Apple Prevent Distracted Driving?

“Do Not Disturb Feature While Driving” Is Soon To Be Released By Apple

Apple will soon block text messages while driving with a new iPhone safety feature that will discourage you to look at a text message while you are driving.

This Fall, a new version of the operating software for Apple mobile named IOS 11, will have the Do Not Disturb While Driving feature. When the iPhone is connected to the car using a cable or Bluetooth, or if the vehicle is moving, text messages and news updates can be concealed. Other notifications may also be withheld and silenced, and the screen on the phone will go dark. Games and Apps will not be available for use.

Apple said they would use speed detection, also called WiFi doppler to verify if the phone is in the car while it is moving. If someone sends you a text message while you are driving, the iPhone can reply with auto reply messages telling the sender that you are driving and cannot receive the message until you reach your destination. iPhone users who are passengers have the option to notify the operating system that they are not driving and will then have full access to their phone.

Navigation Systems and Distracted Driving

iPhone users will have the ability to see Apple Maps, Apple’s navigation application while driving, although they will be unable to type destinations. Other navigation apps, such as Google Maps, will also work, although not as efficiently. Anyone will be able to override the safety feature by telling the operating system; I am not driving.

Apple CarPlay

If the driver’s vehicle is equipped Apple Carplay, the driver will still be able to use Apple CarPlay which is an interface on the vehicle. The interface is specifically designed to allow operators to respond to and hear text messages using voice commands and to use other iPhone features while driving safely. It is available from some automobile manufacturers, such as:

  • BMW
  • Fiat/Chrysler
  • General Motors
  • Honda

Nissan has suggested they will be adding a so-called Faraday cage to its cars. This addition would block all radio transmissions from reaching the phone. It will be a type of box built into the car which would prevent all kinds of radio transmissions. That would be another way to avoid distracting texts while driving.

Distracted Driving in Alabama

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nine people are killed each day in crashes involving distracted driving, and over 1,000 reported accidents involve a distracted driver.

Distracted driving is the action of doing something other than driving that takes your attention away from the road. Distracted driving increases the chance of a motor vehicle crash.

The three primary types of distraction:

  • Manual: taking your eyes off the road
  • Visual: taking your hands off the wheel
  • Cognitive: taking your mind away from driving.

Examples of Distracted Driving

Anything that takes your attention away from driving safely is considered distracted driving.

Such as:

  • Talking on the cell phone,
  • Reading a text message,
  • Using a navigation system,
  • Talking to people in your car
  • Eating or drinking
  • Fiddling with the radio

Any of these activities while driving can endanger the driver, the passengers, & anyone else sharing the road and should always be avoided.

While driving 55 miles per hour, sending, or reading a text message takes your eyes off the road for five seconds. This short period is enough for you to cover an entire football field. As incredible as it sounds, many people do not realize the distance they travel while taking their eyes off the road.

Distracted Driving Lawsuits

Accidents and injuries related to cell phone usage may well lead to lawsuits. If a driver is distracted, this could significantly increase the likelihood that the distracted driver will be found responsible for the damages if an accident were to occur. Negligence or recklessness could be presented in court if a person involved in an accident was talking or texting on a cell phone. The evidence or the history of your mobile phone could be used against you.

Consult with a Personal Injury Lawyer

Distracted driving may take many forms, from writing a quick text message to adjusting the radio or tending to a pet while driving. In addition to getting a traffic ticket, distracted driving can cause accidents, injuries, or sometimes death. Distracted driving can also be used as evidence of a driver’s negligence or recklessness in lawsuits stemming from an auto accident. Consult with your experienced personal injury lawyer in Mobile today to learn more.