Apple is set to introduce a new iPhone feature designed to prevent distracted driving by blocking notifications while owners of such phones are behind the wheel.
The feature, which is called ‘Do Not Disturb While Driving’, will come as part of Apple’s upcoming iOS 11 software.
The way it works is that while an iPhone is connected to a car via either a cable or Bluetooth, or if it detects its owner is in a moving car, the phone will withhold any notifications for things like text messages or news updates.
This is done to prevent the driver from getting the urge to check their phone while they are driving. The iPhone screen will also be locked to prevent drivers from using many of their apps while driving. Apple CarPlay will still be available and the Apple Maps app will also still function, although drivers will be unable to input destinations while on the move.
Furthermore, if someone else with an iPhone texts you while you’re driving with Do Not Disturb active, your phone can respond with an automatic message saying you’re driving and can’t respond right now.
If an iPhone user is only a passenger in the car, rather than the driver, then they can disable Do Not Disturb While Driving.
In truth, drivers who really want to could prevent the Do Not Disturb function from working while they are behind the wheel also. However, it is still an encouraging move from one of the biggest phone companies in the world to help crackdown on the troublingly high number of motorists who are caught using their phone behind the wheel.