Google Glass Fans Freak Out Because....

[Raven]

The level of human stupidity never ceases to amaze me. I am still trying to wrap my mind around how so many people can believe so hard in a fairy tale, and things like this come up. Critical thinking is dying a slow agonizing death.

I wish very much that you are wrong, I doubt very much that you are

[Tiberius]

They have at least one good point though. The law could apply to smartphones being used as GPS devices, which is a rather silly thing to ban.

There is also the point that Google have plans to make prescription versions...turning Glass into actual glasses.

The more obvious solution should be to stipulate that Google glasses should be turned off whilst driving, or put into a standby mode.

[Jackalope]

They have at least one good point though. The law could apply to smartphones being used as GPS devices, which is a rather silly thing to ban.

I would add the caveat that a smartphone-as-GPS device should not be allowed to used while driving, unless it's set up as a hands-free device.

Not that we necessarily need a bunch of new laws to cover specific devices - a driver is either distracted from driving, or they are not. If they are distracted, it matters little what the distraction is.

[Tiberius]

I would add the caveat that a smartphone-as-GPS device should not be allowed to used while driving, unless it's set up as a hands-free device.

Oh sure, but I don't recall seeing any GPS applications on smartphones that require regular "touching". Certainly all the default apps are basically "set up and go", and of the paid alternatives I've used, it's the same thing.

Not that we necessarily need a bunch of new laws to cover specific devices - a driver is either distracted from driving, or they are not. If they are distracted, it matters little what the distraction is.

True, but without such laws there would be leeway for a person to argue that they don't get distracted whilst on the phone / using Google Glass, and it would be up to the court to prove that they do (not an easy task).

Laws are supposed to be written so there isn't much wiggle room.

[Jackalope]

I would add the caveat that a smartphone-as-GPS device should not be allowed to used while driving, unless it's set up as a hands-free device.

Oh sure, but I don't recall seeing any GPS applications on smartphones that require regular "touching". Certainly all the default apps are basically "set up and go", and of the paid alternatives I've used, it's the same thing.

(My experience with smartphone GPS is limited to Google Maps, I'm operating under the assumption that other GPS apps are similar.)

Sure, except perhaps for the initial setup of a route or finding a location, where the driver's eyes and/or hands may be required.

With Glass, it's the HUD that provides the distraction - which if it were limited to information that enhances driving could be a good thing - but I sure as hell not want people driving while they're streaming youtube, for example.

[Anomalocaris]

It seems to me the head up display projector in google glasses is ideally situated to turn an otherwise minor contact between the wearer's head and the car's airbag into a vision robbing event. That might dissuade people from using it while driving more than mere increased incident of accidents.

[Raven]

Google does warn users about running afoul of traffic laws in its Google Glass FAQ: "Most states have passed laws limiting the use of mobile devices while driving any motor vehicle, and most states post those rules on their department of motor vehicles websites. Read up and follow the law!"

However, in another section on navigation, it says Glass can give turn-by-turn directions, "whether you're on a bike, in a car, taking the subway, or going by foot."

Law enforcement is increasingly enforcing distracted driving laws. During the month of April, there were more that 57,000 distracted driving tickets issued in California as part of Distracted Driving Awareness Month, according to the California Office of Traffic Safety.