Distracted driving, particularly from texting, remains a serious safety hazard despite existing solutions that depend on driver discipline or manual activation. Current approaches don't address the problem at its root - messages being sent to drivers in the first place. This proposal explores an automated system that would detect when message recipients are driving and temporarily block incoming communications to prevent dangerous distractions.

How It Could Work

The system would continuously monitor indicators of driving activity through phone sensors like GPS movement patterns, Bluetooth connections to vehicle systems, and other contextual signals. When driving is detected, it would:

• Block incoming messages with customizable exceptions (like emergency contacts)
• Automatically notify senders that the recipient is driving
• Resume normal operation when driving ends

This could be implemented as an API for messaging apps, a system feature for mobile operating systems, or as plugins for existing platforms. The key advantage is shifting responsibility from drivers to the messaging system itself.

Who Stands to Benefit

Multiple stakeholders would have incentives to adopt such a system:

• Tech companies could market it as a safety differentiator
• Auto manufacturers might integrate it with vehicle systems
• Insurance providers could offer premium discounts
• Governments may support it as a public safety initiative

End users - from individual drivers to corporate fleets - would benefit from reduced distraction risks with minimal effort on their part.

Path to Implementation

An MVP might start with basic driving detection using phone sensors and a simple blocking system, tested with controlled groups like fleet drivers. More sophisticated versions could incorporate multiple detection methods, customizable settings, and deeper integration with vehicle systems through auto manufacturer partnerships.

While challenges like false positives and privacy concerns would need addressing, the potential safety benefits make this approach worth exploring further, particularly as a complement to existing driving safety features.