The interactive eyewear that is
Google Glass
hasn't even gone on sale yet, but the Government is aiming to ban the use of it while driving.
A spokesperson from the Department for Transport has told Stuff Magazine: "We are aware of the impending rollout of Google Glass and are in discussion with the Police to ensure that individuals do not use this technology while driving. It is important that drivers give their full attention to the road when they are behind the wheel and do not behave in a way that stops them from observing what is happening on the road."
Is this as distracting as a mobile?
It's now ten years since the mobile phone ban came in, and the justification for the potential outlawing of Glass is similar. The issue is around compromising driver concentration, but some have argued Glass is probably more hands-free than a lot of Bluetooth devices and arguably less distracting than a sat-nav or other infotainment.
On sale next year for an estimated £1000, Glass allows you to perform Google searches and scour social media, which if done while driving would surely distract from the road ahead. But then it could also be used to provide directions that wouldn't need the extended eye-flick down to the screen while voice activation would let you reprogramme more safely. Here's where the divide lies; when does Glass go from a driver's tool to a distraction?
Furthermore, outlawing Google Glass for drivers will prevent the development of interesting apps like GlassTesla, which seems a shame.
On one hand we're glad that the potential problem is being recognised, but we're also concerned that the Government will be blind to the positive uses. As Stuff says, 'Glassholes' might be a lot safer than today's texting morons.