US regulators are seeking to reduce smartphone-related vehicle deaths with a new driving-safe mode that would block or modify apps to prevent them being a distraction while on the road. The so-called driving mode will block distractions such as social media, messages or email, stop the use of the keyboard for communication activities and also restrict access to websites, video and distracting graphics. The intention is that the driving mode will be adopted in a similar manner to the airplane mode common to most smartphones and connected devices, which restricts radio communications while airborne. In the US, accidents caused by distracted driving are considered to be on the rise as the attraction of using apps, games and messaging while on the road has grown. While legislation can go some way to curbing use, action from technology companiesis thought to be crucial to both educate drivers and provide a viable alternative to stop distracted driving.

Source: The Guardian November 23, 2016 13:20 UTC