Silencing Distraction: Can this Smartphone Feature Save Lives?

OKLAHOMA CITY – Apr. 29, 2025 – According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving contributes to approximately 9% of fatal crashes, although researchers believe that number is higher. Despite texting bans in almost all 50 states, distraction remains a prevalent problem among drivers, especially younger generations. Smartphones – a common form of distraction – may help curb this risky behavior. Today, most devices have a “do not disturb” feature that can block or limit distraction. New research from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that when activated, this feature can be effective in reducing smartphone interactions when driving.

“Distracted driving continues to be a major traffic safety concern,” said Dr. David Yang, president and executive director of the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. “Despite their potential to reduce distraction, smartphone technology-based countermeasures are not widely used by drivers. This study aimed to uncover how to encourage more people to use such features to stay focused on the driving task and improve safety.”

To better understand this issue, researchers examined why drivers avoid using “do not disturb” features and how to overcome their objections. Drivers cited limited access to music and navigation as reasons not to activate “do not disturb” features. This commonly held misconception underscores a lack of understanding of how this technology works. Current smartphone-blocking features allow music and navigation to be used when activated. Other barriers mentioned by drivers included not realizing these features were available or forgetting to turn them on.

Another overarching theme regarding why drivers shy away from turning on these features is something most people can relate to – FOMO, or the fear of missing out. People worry that if “do not disturb” features are activated, they may miss an important call or text while driving.

Despite this resistance, many drivers favor “do not disturb” features that automatically turn on during stressful situations like heavy rain, snow, or traffic. This preference suggests that drivers are more inclined to use this feature to reduce distraction when there are greater demands on their attention.

Other factors that would influence the use of “do not disturb” features include:

Additionally, the study revealed that younger drivers (age 18 – 24) — a group more likely to use their phones when behind the wheel – are also more knowledgeable about “do not disturb” features than older generations. However, they also tend to believe they can use their phone safely while driving, suggesting this group may not feel these features are necessary.

Since this group is more prone to driving distracted, researchers were curious whether training and education could improve awareness and understanding of “do not disturb” features, leading to increased usage. In an on-road study, participants, ages 18 – 24, were monitored for 10 weeks – 5 weeks with no intervention and 5 weeks using a “do not disturb” feature. Between the two periods, a survey was given to assess current knowledge of the technology, followed by training on how to use it. It is important to note that the “do not disturb” feature was set to turn on automatically when driving was detected, and participants were told to keep this setting on for the remainder of the study.

“We’ve all witnessed how smartphones can lead to distraction and risky driving, but it’s possible these devices could help us to prevent it,” said Jake Nelson, Director of Traffic Safety Advocacy & Research for AAA. “Increasing the use of Do Not Disturb technology requires more than building awareness. It requires behavior-focused strategies, smarter automation, consistent reinforcement through social norms, and possibly small incentives.”

AAA recommends the following to encourage the use of “do not disturb” features while driving: