Have you heard of the new space-age technology Google is developing called Google Glass? Google Glass is a wearable computer with an optical head-mounted display that is being developed by Google. The user of the device actually wears a miniature computer screen over one eye and uses voice commands to direct the computer (also attached to the person wearing the eyewear) to take photos, video, search the web, text, play movies, and more.
Amazing right?
Did you know that Google is actively lobbying legislative bodies to allow Google Glass to be worn and used by car and truck drivers while they drive?
That’s right. While they drive.
And you thought cell phones were the cause of lots of car accidents…
Allowing drivers to wear a voice-activated computer with a screen in the driver’s field of vision is a dangerous idea. Imagine this – drivers reading and responding to emails while driving. Or better yet – watching Dallas Buyers Club while flying down I-91. You know it’s going to happen.
When drivers are distracted – the result is always more car accidents, not to mention far greater risks to pedestrians and cyclists.
Now some technology fans will argue that this new gadget will someday allow drivers to see in the dark, be alerted to road hazards in advance, and manage car instrument panels by voice command without looking away from the road.
Perhaps.
But it is a well-established fact that distracted drivers have the response time of intoxicated drivers and the idea that one can drive safely while looking at a computer screen covering one eye seems a dangerous flight of fancy.
One can be sure lawmakers around the country will be studying this issue in the years ahead. In fact, legislators in New York, New Jersey, West Virginia, and Illinois are already looking at this issue and considering regulatory changes to ban Google Glass use by car and truck drivers.
If you are ever injured in a car accident with a distracted driver, know that the Connecticut car accident lawyers at RisCassi & Davis have been assisting people just like you for almost 60 years. And we have received both state and national recognition for our work in this area. If you’re ever in an auto accident of any kind and would like a free consultation with one of our Connecticut car accident lawyers, please contact us.
There is no obligation. Plus, there is no fee or other costs unless we are successful on your behalf.