Somerset County Prosecutor urges drivers to use ‘Do Not Disturb While Driving’ feature on Oct. 16

SOMERVILLE, N.J. (Somerset County) — Somerset County Prosecutor John P. McDonald and Chief of Detectives Francisco Roman Jr. are urging drivers to join law enforcement in recognizing National Do Not Disturb While Driving Day on Thursday, Oct. 16, and to help spread awareness about the lifesaving benefits of this smartphone feature.

“The purpose is to draw attention to a lifesaving feature that is integrated into every smartphone,” Prosecutor McDonald said. “Do Not Disturb While Driving cellular phone settings block calls, texts, and other notifications while you are driving, allowing your attention to remain where it is required to be — on the road.”

The awareness effort is part of a national initiative led by the National Distracted Driving Coalition (NDDC), which encourages all drivers to activate the “Do Not Disturb While Driving” (DNDWD) setting and remind others to do the same. The campaign is supported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the National Safety Council, the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety, and the Somerset/Hunterdon County Traffic Safety Alliance.

Statistics show distracted driving remains one of the leading causes of fatal crashes. According to national data, more than 3,000 people were killed in the U.S. in 2024 due to distraction-related incidents. Common causes include texting, talking on the phone, eating, drinking, grooming, or any activity that takes a driver’s eyes off the road, hands off the wheel, or mind off driving.

Prosecutor McDonald urged drivers to take the pledge and make safe driving a daily habit: “Turn on your DNDWD feature, urge friends, family, and co-workers to do the same. Try to make this a habit every day. Let’s all do our part to make the roads safer and help everyone arrive at their destination safe and alive.”