The State of West Virginia to Ban Wearing Google Glass while Driving
Last week we posted a report titled "Google Glass: Orwellian Surveillance with Fluffier Branding" which took a basic overview of some of the resistance towards Google's upcoming product. At the time we stated that between now and the time Google Glass actually launches we're bound to hear arguments getting louder and louder about the pros and cons of using this technology. Well that didn't take time. Today, in a pre-emptive move, West Virginia State Rep. Gary G. Howell introduced legislation that would amend existing laws against texting while driving to prohibit "using a wearable computer with head mounted display."
According to the report, the bill doesn't mention Google Glass by name, although Howell told CNN he was inspired to amend the law after reading an article about the gadget. If passed, the law would make West Virginia the first U.S. state to ban motorists from wearing Google Glass while driving, a Google spokesman said. The law would take effect July 1.
"The primary thing is a safety concern," Howell said in an interview. "It (the Glass headset) could project text or video into your field of vision. I think there's a lot of potential for distraction."
Google has said in the past that its Glass headset could offer turn-by-turn navigation, with voice commands, to enhance the driving experience. But that's not going to cut it with this new law which is very likely going to inspire other States to follow suit. As long as the device is on your head it will be a violation.
Turn-by-turn should be left to a vehicles console using voice directions and commands.
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That is a right thing to do. In fact - the call itself distracts driver's attention. While on the call, no matter if it is hands-free or not, your reaction time in traffic slows down and you don't pay as much attention as before the call.
Posted by: Geo | March 25, 2013 at 09:04 PM