IPHONES TO BLOCK USE AT THE WHEEL

Apple has revealed that its latest mobile operating system will include a “do not disturb” feature to stop phone use at the wheel.

The IOS 11 update for the firm’s phones and tablets was announced on Tuesday and includes an automatic feature to silence phones when the user is driving.

Called do not disturb while Driving, the function can detect when you are driving and will automatically silence notifications and keep the screen switched off.

It can also be set to send an automated reply explaining that you’re driving, and can be overridden by a passenger.

Announcing the feature Apple’s senior vice president of software engineering, craig Federighi, said: “It’s all about keeping your eyes on the road. When you are driving you don’t need to be responding to... messages. We think this is going to be a real important step in safety in the car.”

The problem of distraction at the wheel is an increasingly large one. Research by the RAC in 2016 showed that almost a third (31 per cent) of drivers admitted to making or receiving calls while driving and one in five (20 per cent) admitted to having written and sent texts, emails or social media updates on the move.

A study published in the BMJ found that drivers who used their phone at the wheel were four times more likely to be involved in an accident.

The new feature has been welcomed by road safety groups.

Jason Wake ford, spokesmanfor brake, said :“this new feature will help drivers stay focused on the road and not their phones. brake would like to see similar initiatives from other phone manufacturers to help cut distractions.”

Pete Williams, spokesman forth erac’ s#beph one smart campaign, added: “Texts and social media apps have the potential to distract a driver from the task at hand.

“So we’re pleased that at last millions of drivers that use an iphone are about to be able to put an end to intrusive notifications while they’re behind the wheel.”