This is certainly hardly surprising but, it’s nice to see that the UK Government aren’t messing around when it comes to Google Glass. It’s already become a polarizing product, and it hasn’t even launched in the US properly, let alone anywhere else. Where the US Government might be treading lightly on the subject of Glass use while driving, the UK is pulling no punches. The Department of Transport has announced that it isn’t going to be acceptable for drivers to be using, or even wearing Glass while driving. Here’s what a spokesperson had to say to the Telegraph:
“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. A range of offences and penalties already exist to tackle those drivers who do not pay proper attention to the road including careless driving which will become a fixed penalty offence later this year. 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.”
As a Brit myself, I don’t see any problem with the DoT banning Glass for drivers. After all, there’s a law forbidding the use of a mobile phone (sorry, cell phone) while driving. As the spokesperson said above, there’s already a myriad of offences for those not paying attention at the wheel, so what’s one more? We imagine that the DoT’s issue with Glass has nothing to do with Google Navigation – you’re allowed to dock a smartphone and use that as you drive – but more to do with the distractions that come with it.
Google Glass offers a range of things to do with little interaction with the device, such as send text messages, search Google, take a picture and so on. While Mr Brin might think it’s perfectly safe to use while driving, not everyone is that good a driver and accidents are most often caused by someone not paying attention to what’s happening.