Somerset and Hunterdon County Reminds Drivers: National Do Not Disturb While Driving Day (DNDWD),

Somerville, NJ - Join the movement and spread the word to family, friends and co-workers Thursday, October 16th is National Do Not Disturb While Driving Day (DNDWD), observed annually on the third Thursday in October. This is an effort to draw attention to a life-saving feature that is integrated into every smartphone. Do Not Disturb While Driving 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.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, statistics continue to show Distracted Driving to be a leading cause of motor vehicle crashes with over 3,000 deaths in the U.S alone. It is the goal of the National Distracted Driving Coalition (NDDC) to encourage all drivers to turn on their DNDWD feature and to teach others to do the same. As a driver, you can show that you care about the lives of friends, family and strangers. Support the NDDC, 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 in their efforts to educate road users and make everyone’s drives and commutes safer.

While distraction causing activities can take many forms, it is those activities that divert your attention from safe driving causing visual, manual and cognitive distractions that are most dangerous. Drivers should refrain from using a hand-held/hands free cell phone to text, call or email, and refrain from eating, drinking and grooming while driving. Any activity that takes the hands off the wheel, the eyes off the road and/or the mind off the task of driving is hazardous and can increase the risk of serious crashes.

On Thursday, October 16, 2025, make the commitment to turn on your DNDWD feature and 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.

Get involved, post on your social media about DNDWD Day and use hashtags #JustDrive, #ButNotWhileDriving and #DNDWD25

For more information on National Do Not Disturb While Driving Day (DNDWD), please visit https://usnddc.org/news/dndwd-day/

If you have questions about how to turn on your DNDWD feature here are two of the many locations for assistance:

Android Phones: https://support.google.com/android/answer/9069335?hl=en

Apple Phones: https://www.macobserver.com/tips/how-to/use-do-not-disturb-on-iphone/

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