Sorry I can’t text you back ... I’m driving
New phone will block social media
MOBILE phones will soon be able to sense when you are driving – and block social media and messages.
The “do not disturb while driving” feature is part of Apple’s new software for iPhones.
It kicks in when the phone connects to a car by Bluetooth or a cable, and sends a text to tell contacts you are on the road. Messages are not displayed.
Senders can mark a message “urgent” to override the feature, which does not affect hands-free calls. Millions will get it when they upgrade to Apple’s iOS 11 operating system this autumn. The move comes in the wake of a campaign by the Mirror to tackle the illegal use of mobiles while driving, linked to 22 fatal crashes in 2015. Pete Williams, of the RAC, said: “These days it is less phone calls and more the pings and buzzes of texts and social media apps that have the potential to distract a driver.” Maximum fines for illegal mobile use while driving doubled to £200 in March – with up to six points on licences.