Thursday, October 15, is National Do Not Disturb While Driving Day

• Drivers can limit distractions by enabling their smartphones to block notifications when they’re driving.
• Distracted driving is estimated to be responsible for about 12,000 deaths each year in U.S.
• National awareness day encourages more widespread use of the Do Not Disturb feature.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — October 13, 2026 — Thursday, October 15, marks the fifth annual National Do Not Disturb While Driving Day, an annual event organized by the National Distracted Driving Coalition (NDDC) to draw attention to a lifesaving feature built into every smartphone. Drivers everywhere are encouraged to take the easy and quick step of enabling their phones to automatically block notifications every time they’re driving. All smartphones can be configured with this setting when a driver is behind the wheel, reducing the chance they will be distracted by a cellphone alert or notification.

“Distracted driving occurs daily on roadways across the country, contributing to crashes, injuries and deaths,” said Robyn Robertson, NDDC Chair and Secretary of the Board at the Traffic Injury Research Foundation USA, Inc. (TIRF USA). “Turning on our phones’ Do Not Disturb While Driving feature is one simple way all drivers can take action and make their communities safer. Challenge family members, friends and colleagues to do the same. Such a small step can make a powerful difference. Attentive drivers save lives.”

The distracted driving problem

While official fatality numbers from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) suggest that distraction kills fewer than 4,000 people each year, research consistently indicates that the issue is dramatically undercounted. By NHTSA’s own estimates, distraction is involved in more than one in four (29%) crashes in the United States, resulting in about 12,000 fatalities a year. A recent study from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) suggests that police reports undercount cellphone use prior to crashes by a factor of at least seven.

There’s a setting for that

For iPhone users, it takes only a few taps to configure the phone’s Driving Focus feature by navigating to Settings, then Focus, then Driving. Other smartphones use different names but are similarly quick and easy to set up. Settings can usually be configured to allow notifications from priority contacts to get through if needed.

“I’ve worked with more than 20 drivers who have killed others while driving distracted. Every one of them wishes they could go back to that day and make a different decision. But they can’t,” said Joel Feldman, founder of EndDD.org. “But going forward you can make the decision to avoid being tempted to look at your phone while driving by using the DNDWD setting on your phone. Do it so you don’t join the ranks of the more than 150,000 distracted drivers who have killed others since my daughter’s death in 2009. Do it for yourself, your loved ones and everyone you share the road with. It’s the right thing to do.”

Awareness growing but use of Do Not Disturb While Driving features lags

An annual Do Not Disturb While Driving Day was launched in 2022 to boost use of the feature. Early research from IIHS found that only 1 in 5 iPhone users regularly utilized the feature. While recent research suggests that awareness has grown, plenty of drivers are still not using it.  Cambridge Mobile Telematics (CMT) has been surveying drivers about Do Not Disturb features for several years, reporting trends in use and awareness. Frequent use by drivers is still below 30 percent according to CMT’s 2025 poll. Non-users also reported higher rates of hesitation to use the feature in 2025 compared with 2024, citing concerns with missing important calls or messages as a common reason. A 2025 survey from AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety uncovered similar concerns, while also highlighting misconceptions about how the features work. In that study, drivers cited limited access to music or navigation apps as a reason to not activate the feature. Do Not Disturb While Driving features do not prevent a driver from streaming music or using navigation.

Technology Transforming Transportation event to be held on DNDWD Day

On October 15, NDDC will convene Technology Transforming Transportation, a day-long event highlighting the role of technology in addressing distracted driving. The event will feature researchers, innovators, advocates, and other stakeholders for panel discussions and a technology showcase. The presentation portions of the event will be livestreamed and available to the public.

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Frequently asked questions about Do Not Disturb While Driving

What is Do Not Disturb While Driving?

Do Not Disturb While Driving features automatically silence notifications and calls when a driver is behind the wheel. The features can be set up to automatically engage when connected to the vehicle’s Bluetooth or when sensors detect the phone is in the vehicle.

How do I set up Do Not Disturb While Driving on my phone?

While setting up the feature differs depending on phone and operating system, it typically takes only a few taps. On iPhone, the feature can be found in the Focus menu which is under Settings. How-to videos are available through the NDDC’s website.

Who should use Do Not Disturb While Driving?

Everyone should use this feature. Do Not Disturb While Driving can be customized to allow certain contacts or notifications.

Why is Do Not Disturb While Driving important to use?

Distracted driving is a major contributor to crashes, injuries and fatalities. Cellphones are one major source of distraction, and notifications can easily draw drivers’ attention away from the road. By using this feature regularly, drivers can reduce this distraction and remain more attentive. It only takes a moment of inattention to cause a crash.

Do I have to turn it on every time I drive?

Do Not Disturb While Driving features can be set up to automatically turn on every time a driver is behind the wheel.

Should teen drivers use Do Not Disturb While Driving?

Yes. Research has found that teens tend to underestimate the dangers associated with phone use while driving. Parents should discuss phone use with new drivers and require that they use Do Not Disturb features while driving. Parents can put it in writing as part of a broader Teen Driving Contract to ensure expectations are clear.

How can individuals get involved with Do Not Disturb While Driving Day?

First, turn on your own phone’s Do Not Disturb While Driving feature and make sure it’s set up to engage during every drive. Next, talk to family and friends about the dangers of distracted driving and how to set up the Do Not Disturb While Driving feature. Individuals can post to social media to help spread the word using #DNDWD26. Social media graphics, how-to videos, and other campaign materials are available through the NDDC website.

How can businesses get involved with Do Not Disturb While Driving Day?

Businesses can implement policies requiring employees to use the feature while driving for company business or using fleet vehicles. Businesses can also encourage their customers to use the feature through social media or newsletters.