Turn off the distractions and turn on do not disturb

RICHMOND, Va. — These days, phones seem to never stop vibrating, pinging, and lighting up in a constant pursuit for our attention. But people must resist the urge to pick up the phone while driving — doing so could save lives.

It’s a scary sight: drivers with their heads buried in their phones while traveling fast on a highway surrounded by other cars. Distracted driving continues to be a major problem in Virginia as well as the nation. In 2023, there were 1,546 reports of crashes in Virginia involving a driver using a cell phone and 142 reports of a crash involving a driver specifically texting, according to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). This data underestimates the problem since it can depend on people admitting they used a phone, and the process to prove it can be challenging.

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), Virginia State Police, and DMV, along with DRIVE SMART Virginia are marking National Do Not Disturb While Driving Day on October 17 by encouraging people to get into the habit of putting their mobile devices away and activating the Do Not Disturb mode on their phones.

“Looking away from the road for a few seconds to glance at a phone is all it takes to cause a tragedy,” said VDOT Commissioner Stephen Brich. “Whatever message is on your phone is not more important than your life or the lives of others, so keep your eyes on the road and hands on the wheel.”

“We cannot emphasize enough that driving requires your full attention,” said DMV Commissioner Gerald Lackey, the Governor’s Highway Safety Representative. “Last year 64 people lost their lives on Virginia’s roadways due to distracted driving. Silencing distractions can save you or someone you love from becoming a statistic.”

“When you are driving, your number one and only focus should be on the road,” said Colonel Gary T. Settle, superintendent of Virginia State Police. “The law requires you to put the phone down and keep your eyes on the road. Maybe you’ve checked an incoming text or email a hundred times without anything happening, but it just takes one glance to end a life.”

“As drivers, we may have the best intentions to avoid using our phones while driving, but the truth is, it’s challenging to resist,” said Kristin Pettway, executive director of DRIVE SMART Virginia. “Activating the Do Not Disturb feature on your phone is a simple action that could save lives.”

Since 2021, Virginia law has prohibited drivers from holding cell phones or any other wireless communication devices while driving. There are exceptions for drivers who are parked or stopped, using a phone to report an emergency, or those who operate emergency vehicles and are performing their official duties. Drivers can have phone calls if they are able to do so without holding the device, by using technology such as Bluetooth. Violation of the law is punishable by fines.

The Do Not Disturb mode has been available on smartphones since 2012, and it helps drivers remain focused on the road by silencing notifications. Phones may also include a driving focus mode, allowing people to specifically program in an automated text response informing people that you are driving and will respond when safe to do so.

By enabling Do Not Disturb, you can mute calls, notifications, and other alerts to eliminate phone distractions while you’re driving. Calls will go to voicemail, and text messages will get an automated response that you can customize.

Take a few minutes to explore these settings, become familiar with them, and begin using them the next time you drive. It is an easy way to remain focused on driving and make the roadways safer for everyone.

Contact

• Amy Friedenberger (VDOT)
• Matthew Demlein (VSP)
• Jillian Cowherd (DMV)
• Rich Jacobs (DRIVE SMART VIRGINIA)