Thursday, October 31, 2013

Don't use Google Glass and drive at the same time

Cecelia Abadie, a Google Glass tester, was pulled over for speeding in San Diego and given a citation for wearing the device while driving, though she claimed she was not using it at the time, Mike Freeman writes for U-T San Diego.

Cecilia Abadie, Google Glass tester
Abadie says she didn't think it was illegal, and she usually wears the device all day. "Most people don't understand that technology is design to be out of your way," she told Freeman. "It's off unless you turn it on or talk to it or touch it." Google Glass is voice controlled and can do such tasks as checking email or displaying maps, Freeman notes.

Abadi was cited under California Vehicle Code Section 27602, which prohibits drivers from watching television or video signals aside from navigation systems and the like. She may fight the ticket. Robert Punta, a San Diego lawyer who works on traffic cases, said, "If there is no communication going on, I believe that would be the same as a GPS device or a heads up display on your windshield, which I know some vehicles have."

Google spoke up on the Google Glass website, without taking sides: "Read up and follow the law! Above all, even when you're following the law, don't hurt yourself or others by failing to pay attention to the road. The same goes for bicycling: whether or not any laws limit your use of Glass, always be careful."

It may be tempting to use Google Glass improperly or pay less attention when driving on country roads with no traffic, or rural interstates. Give the road your undivided attention—not only because it might be the law, but also in the interest of safety.

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