Put the Phone Down: The Case for Distraction-Free Driving

I’ll admit it—I’ve had a few close calls while driving. Nothing serious, but serious enough to make my heart race and my hands grip the steering wheel tighter. One time, I looked down at my phone for just a second at a red light, and when I looked up, the light had turned green, and the car in front of me had already started moving. I hit the brakes just in time to avoid a fender bender. Another time, I was changing my music while driving, only to look up and realize I was drifting slightly out of my lane. No accidents, no injuries, just a couple of scares. But those scares made me realize something: I was driving distracted. And if I kept doing it, sooner or later, I wouldn’t be lucky enough to avoid a crash.

Distracted driving, especially because of phones, is one of the most dangerous habits on the road today. This is a serious issue for everyone, but it’s especially bad for teenagers. We already have less experience behind the wheel, and when you add phone distractions to the mix, the risk skyrockets. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), texting while driving increases the risk of crashing by 23 times. It’s terrifying to think that, despite knowing the dangers, so many people—including myself, at times—continue to use their phones while driving. That’s why I believe cars should have built-in settings that make phones completely useless while driving.

The Real Dangers of Using Phones While Driving

We’ve all heard the statistics and warnings about texting and driving, but the reality doesn’t always sink in until something happens close to home. I know people who have been in accidents because of distracted driving. One of my friends got rear-ended by someone who was looking down at their phone. Thankfully, no one was hurt, but the car was badly damaged, and the accident could have been much worse.

Phones take away our attention in three different ways: visually, manually, and cognitively. Visually, because we take our eyes off the road. Manually, because we take our hands off the wheel. And cognitively, because we take our mind off driving. Even a quick glance at a notification can be enough to cause a crash. Studies show that looking at a phone for just five seconds while driving at 55 mph is like driving the length of a football field with your eyes closed. That’s terrifying.

Yet, despite all this information, many drivers, especially teenagers, still use their phones behind the wheel. Why? Because we’re used to instant communication. We feel the need to check our messages right away. We don’t want to miss a Snapchat streak or a funny meme in a group chat. The temptation is always there. That’s why just telling people to “be responsible” isn’t enough. We need a real, technological solution.

A Simple Solution: Disable Phones While Driving

If cars had a built-in setting that disabled phones while driving, this problem could be dramatically reduced. Many modern vehicles already have technology that prevents drivers from using certain features while the car is in motion. For example, some infotainment systems won’t let you type in a GPS destination unless the car is in park. Why not take it a step further and disable phone use entirely?

The technology for this already exists. Some apps can detect when a car is moving and silence notifications. But these apps rely on personal responsibility, which isn’t enough. A built-in car setting, one that automatically activates when the car is in motion, would be much more effective. This setting could block all incoming calls, texts, and app notifications unless the phone is connected to hands-free voice commands. Even better, it could automatically send a message to anyone trying to contact the driver, saying, “I’m driving right now. I’ll get back to you when I’m safely parked.”

Of course, some people will argue that there are situations where using a phone while driving is necessary, like emergency calls. That’s a valid concern, but there are ways to work around it. The setting could allow emergency calls to 911 or let certain contacts, like parents, bypass the block if needed. The point is not to make phones completely inaccessible, but to remove the distractions that cause accidents.

Overcoming the Resistance to Change

One of the biggest challenges in implementing this type of technology is resistance from drivers. People like having control over their own phones. They don’t want to be told what they can and can’t do in their own car. But this isn’t about limiting freedom—it’s about saving lives. The same way seatbelt laws were once controversial but are now accepted as necessary, phone-disabling technology could become a standard safety feature in cars.

Some people might also argue that hands-free devices like Bluetooth already solve this problem. While hands-free calling is definitely safer than holding a phone, it doesn’t eliminate distractions completely. Even voice-to-text features require mental focus that should be on the road. The safest solution is to remove the temptation altogether.

Car manufacturers and phone companies need to work together to make this happen. Some progress has already been made—Apple’s “Do Not Disturb While Driving” feature is a step in the right direction. But it’s optional, and many people turn it off. If automakers built this kind of feature directly into cars, it would have a much bigger impact.

A Safer Future Starts Now

Every time I get behind the wheel, I remind myself of those close calls I had. I remind myself that one second of distraction could be the difference between life and death. And I remind myself that whatever text or notification is waiting for me can wait a little longer.

But personal responsibility can only go so far. If we want to truly stop distracted driving, we need to take action at a larger level. Cars should come with technology that makes using a phone while driving impossible. It’s a simple solution that could save thousands of lives every year.

It’s time for all of us—drivers, lawmakers, car companies, and tech companies—to recognize that phone use while driving is an epidemic. And like any epidemic, it requires a real solution, not just reminders and warnings.

If I ever have kids one day, I want them to grow up in a world where distracted driving is no longer a problem. I want them to get a driver’s license knowing that their car will keep them safe, even if temptation strikes. I want them to know that their phone can wait.

Because no text, no Snapchat, no notification is worth a life.

So, let’s make the change. Let’s put the phone down. And let’s drive like our lives depend on it—because they do.