Technology to block text while driving ‘fantastic’

A new feature that would block text message notifications on an iPhone while a person is driving is welcome, although this technology should be taken a step further, Toronto critical injury lawyer Patrick Brown tells Metro News.

As the article notes, Apple unveiled the ‘Do Not Disturb While Driving’ feature last week, set to debut with iOS 11 in the fall. Using Bluetooth and Wi-Fi technology, the phone senses when the vehicle is being driven and activates the mode, in which the phone’s screen will appear black and the driver won’t receive notifications until they arrive at their destination. Passengers in a car can override the feature.

Reactivates notifications

Metro News reports the sender will receive a message that says the driver can’t read their text at the moment unless they receive an additional message that says “urgent.” This bypasses the setting and turns notifications back on.

Brown, partner with McLeish Orlando LLP and founder of Bike Law Canada, says distracted driving is “the new drunk driving” and the new feature is “fantastic,” although he would also like to see things taken a step further.

“I think they should make it mandatory that phones not be operational in a vehicle. We have the technology, and it shouldn’t be a choice,” says Brown.

Law enforcement should also have additional powers to determine whether a cellphone was used while driving, he adds, as existing laws are difficult to enforce otherwise.