Hey there,
I used to tell myself a quick glance at my phone while driving was harmless.
For years I'd check texts and emails on the way to the airport, at red lights, even with my family in the car. I told myself I had it under control. I didn't. When I read a news story about a car crash caused by a driver texting, I realized I needed to change.
So I stopped relying on willpower and let my phone make the decision for me instead.
My phone now locks down notifications the second I start driving
Anyone who texts or calls gets an automatic reply letting them know I'm driving
I haven't had to remember to turn this on once since I set it up
If you want more ideas on how to set up focus modes beyond just this one, check out this article I wrote on building out focus zones for your whole day.
Here's exactly how to set up the driving-specific version in under 5 minutes.
3 Steps To Stop Checking Your Phone While Driving Even If You've Done It For Years
You don't need more discipline to break this habit. You need your phone to remove the temptation before you ever pick it up.
Here's the framework that does it for you, automatically, every time.
Step 1: Turn On Driving Focus
Go to Settings, tap Focus, then tap the plus sign and select Driving.
iOS already has this built in. Most people just never turn it on. This is the foundation everything else gets built on top of.
Step 2: Choose Who Can Still Reach You
Inside Driving Focus, pick the people who can break through (spouse, kids' school, a couple of key accounts).
Everyone else gets silenced and an automatic reply. You can edit the default message, something like "I'm driving right now, I'll get back to you once I've safely arrived" works well.
Step 3: Automate It So You Never Have To Remember
Under "Turn On Automatically," choose "While Driving" or "When Connected to CarPlay."
This is the step most people skip, but it's what makes the whole system work without you. Your phone notices the drive and flips the switch for you.
Here's what you learned today:
Driving Focus silences notifications the moment your car starts moving
Allowed contacts mean you'll never miss anything truly urgent
Automating it removes the decision from your hands entirely, which is the whole point
Open Settings right now and turn on Driving Focus. Test it on your next drive and see how different it feels to arrive without ever touching your phone.
Hit reply or comment below and let us know why.
PS...If you're enjoying The Systematic Sales Leader, please consider recommending this edition to a friend.
