A recent peer-reviewed study conducted by researchers at the University of Central Florida and the Air Force Research Laboratory found that drivers who wear Google Glass are just as likely to be in an accident as drivers who are messaging via smartphones.
Google Glass versus Smartphone: a Comparison
Some people thought that using head devices such as Google Glass would make messaging while driving safer, but this recent study found that it wasn’t so. Let’s take a closer look at the different technologies and why drivers using Google Glass may still cause fatal accidents. The United States Department of Transportation has identified three ways in which texting, emailing, or messaging while driving can be dangerous:
- Hands are taken off the wheel: Google Glass does not require a driver to take his hands off the wheel while driving and sending a message. Smartphone users have the choice of using their hands or voice recognition technology.
- Attention is taken off the road: Both Google Glass users and smartphone users may take their attention off the road when they read or compose a message.
- Eyes are taken off the road: Smartphone users may have to take their eyes off the road longer, while Google Glass users may still see at least part of the road while they read messages.
Some states are currently seeking to ban using Google Glass and similar devices while driving because of the potential risk of serious and fatal accidents.
Please Help Raise Awareness About This Problem
The dangers of causing fatal accidents with head devices such as Google Glass are not as well-known as the dangers of traditional texting and driving. Please help raise awareness about the risk by sharing this FAQ on Twitter and with your loved ones.
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