Distracted driving contributes to about 9% of fatal crashes, according to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
But researchers believe that number is higher.
Despite texting bans in almost all 50 states, distraction remains a prevalent problem among drivers, especially younger generations.
But AAA says smartphones themselves — a common form of distraction — might hold the key to curbing this risky behavior.
Today, most devices offer a “Do Not Disturb” feature designed to minimize distractions by silencing calls, messages, and notifications.
Research from AAA shows that when drivers use the feature, it can effectively reduce smartphone interactions while driving.
But that’s if drivers can be convinced to turn the feature on.
READ: Full Report / Summary
“Although smartphones provide features to help curb distractions, many drivers simply do not use them,” AAA spokesman Mark Jenkins said. “Our goal was to understand why drivers hesitate to embrace these tools and explore ways to encourage their adoption. Doing so would contribute to better focus on the road and enhance overall traffic safety.”
Barriers
Researchers examined why drivers avoid using “Do Not Disturb” features and how to address their concerns:
- Misconceptions about functionality: Some drivers believe activating the feature will limit access to music and navigation, despite current technology allowing both functions to remain accessible. Other reasons include a lack of awareness about these settings or simply forgetting to turn them on.
- Fear of missing out (FOMO): Many people worry they’ll miss an important call or text when the feature is enabled, leading to hesitation in using it.
Despite these concerns, drivers expressed a preference for automatic activation in high-stress situations such as heavy rain, snow, or traffic — suggesting that they are more inclined to reduce distractions when greater focus is required.
Encouraging use
Drivers indicated that they would be more likely to use “Do Not Disturb” features if certain improvements were made, including:
- Better accuracy in detecting when a user is a passenger rather than a driver.
- Customizable controls over which apps are restricted.
- Potential insurance discounts for using the feature.
Generational differences
AAA’s study found that younger drivers (ages 18–24) — who are the most likely to use their phones while driver, knew the most about the “Do Not Disturb” settings.
But they also felt the most confident about being able to safely use their phones while driving — meaning they don’t necessarily think they need to use “Do Not Disturb.”
Research: 10-Week On-Road Study
To explore whether education and training could boost adoption, researchers conducted an on-road study with 18– to 24-year-old participants over a 10-week period.
The first five weeks had no intervention, followed by five weeks using the “Do Not Disturb” feature.
During the transition, participants were surveyed about their understanding of the feature, then provided training on its usage.
Importantly, the feature was set to activate automatically when driving was detected, and participants were instructed to keep the setting on throughout the remainder of the study.
The results
Before training –
- 50% of participants did not know their phone had a “do not disturb” feature
- 85% reported not knowing how to use it
- 65% did not know it could be set to turn on automatically when driving was detected
After training –
- 100% of participants knew their phone had a “do not disturb” feature, knew how to use it, and that it could be set to turn on automatically
- 41% decrease in smartphone interactions
- 6% less likely to pick up their phone
- Opinions of “do not disturb” features remained unchanged
“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.”
