Iowa (RI) — The number of crashes and deaths in Iowa attributed to drivers being distracted by their smartphones continues to climb, and a study finds a simple, free feature that’s already on our phones could help to prevent many of those accidents. Brian Ortner, spokesman for AAA Iowa, says the “Do Not Disturb” function can be activated in just seconds and it may hold the key to curbing risky behavior behind the wheel.
The study found some drivers mistakenly think using the “Do Not Disturb” feature will limit access to music and navigation, which it won’t.
Federal studies show distracted driving contributes to about nine percent of all fatal crashes. In Iowa last year, the DOT says there were more than 25 hundred crashes attributed to distracted drivers, including ten deaths and 54 serious injuries. The AAA study found even drivers who knew about the “Do Not Disturb” feature tended not to use it.
Last month, Governor Kim Reynolds signed the “Hands-Free” bill into law that makes it illegal to hold your phone while driving, though using “hands-free” or voice-activated mode is still allowed. The law takes effect in July. Law officers will only be able to issue warnings until January 1st, when 100-dollar fines begin.
KIWA Staff Photo
