Distracted Drivers Rarely Use Smartphone ‘Do Not Disturb’ Features: Report

Research shows a lack of understanding among drivers about what “Do Not Disturb” features disable, and the role it can play reducing the risk of traffic accidents.

A new report suggests that while most U.S. consumers have phones with a “Do Not Disturb” (DND) feature, only a small percentage of individuals use the feature while driving, even though it can substantially reduce the risk of distractions and traffic accidents.

The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety released the findings of a new study, which sought to better understand what leads drivers not to use their phones’ Do Not Disturb feature, and how these barriers can be overcome.

Do Not Disturb features, which are available on Android and iOS phones, are designed to reduce distractions while driving. Android allows limited notifications but does not restrict other phone functions, such as texting. Apple’s iOS software silences most alerts, sends auto-replies to texts, and requires users to confirm they are not driving to unlock the phone.

Despite these safety measures, only 20.5% of iOS users activate the feature, and even then, most use it during just a quarter of their trips.

Research has shown that cell phone use while driving has become a critical transportation and safety issue over the past decade, with smartphone-distracted driving causing repeated off-road glances, reducing the driver’s capacity for hazard detection, delaying reaction time during critical driving events, and resulting in inconsistent driving control and speed, all of which increase the risk of an auto accident.

The new AAA study combined a literature review, driver survey and observational research to better understand the habits of drivers prone to smartphone use. It examined their experiences with Do Not Disturb features, explored their perceptions of the technology, and evaluated whether educational tools could improve awareness and encourage adoption of these safety functions.

The research team, led by Gabrial Anderson, found that drivers aged 18 to 24, and those with less driving experience were more likely to use smartphones while driving.

While younger drivers demonstrated greater awareness of Do Not Disturb features compared to older drivers, they were also more likely to stop using them. Many believed they could safely text while driving, which may explain why they viewed the feature as unnecessary.

The most common reason drivers gave for not enabling Do Not Disturb was the desire to use music or navigation apps. However, most DND settings still allow access to those functions, pointing to a widespread misunderstanding of how the feature actually works.

Approximately 60% of previous Do Not Disturb users reported forgetting to activate the feature, while 32% of non-users were unaware of it. These findings suggest that educational training, such as enabling automatic activation while driving, could improve understanding and encourage consistent use.

Most respondents reported they were in favor of automatic DND activation during stressful driving environments, including heavy rain, snow or traffic, suggesting that contextual awareness for Do Not Disturb activation as opposed to an all-or-nothing approach may increase use.

Improved accuracy in recognizing when a user is not driving, greater control over which apps are restricted and insurance discounts were also identified as factors that could increase Do Not Disturb use.

The study found no change in participants’ opinions of Do Not Disturb after being trained in its use. However, there was a 41% decrease in smartphone use after Do Not Disturb activation, and participants were 6% less likely to pick up their phones post-training. These findings suggest that DND effectively reduces phone interactions while driving.

Dangers of Distracted Driving

Risky and distracted driving behaviors often go hand in hand and have been shown to significantly increase crash risks.

Cell phone use has been shown to be a better predictor of risky driving behaviors among teenagers than other factors, including their sex, the time of day, or length of time the driver has had their license. In 2023, young drivers accounted for nearly one in 10 car accidents, with 15% using cellphones at the time of the crash.

Another study published last year found that ADHD symptoms can affect driving performance, especially when coupled with technology, such as cellphones, which might exacerbate distracted driving.

In addition to the use of Do Not Disturb features, prior research has also shown that another potential solution for reducing distracted driving is the use of smartphone apps offering interventions and incentives, which encourage drivers to minimize their phone use. These kinds of apps have been shown to reduce cell phone use while driving by 15% to 21%.