RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Oct. 17 marks National Do Not Disturb While Driving Day, and the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is advising drivers to use a setting on their mobile devices to help them stay focused on the road. In partnership with Virginia State Police, the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and DRIVE SMART Virginia, VDOT wants to encourage people to get into the habit of putting their phones away and activating the "Do Not Disturb" mode on their mobile devices when driving. According to the DMV, in 2023, there were 1,546 reported crashes in the state that involved a driver using a cell phone and 142 reports of a crash involving a driver texting. “Looking away from the road for a few seconds to glance at a phone is all it takes to cause a tragedy,” said VDOT Commissioner Stephen Brich. “Whatever message is on your phone is not more important than your life or the lives of others, so keep your eyes on the road and hands on the wheel.” According to officials, since 2021, Virginia law has prohibited drivers from holding cell phones or any other wireless communication devices while driving, and violation of this law is punishable by fines. According to VDOT, there are exceptions for drivers who are parked or stopped, using a phone to report an emergency or those who operate emergency vehicles and are performing their official duties. Drivers can also make phone calls while driving if they are able to do so without holding the device, such as by using Bluetooth. According to VDOT, the "Do Not Disturb" mode has been on smartphones since 2012, and helps drivers remain focused on the road by silencing notifications. Phones may also include a driving focus mode, allowing people to specifically program an automated text response informing people that they are driving and will respond when safe to do so. VDOT advises drivers to take a few minutes to explore these settings on their mobile devices and to use them when traveling.