Stuff Magazine recently ran a report suggesting that the The Department for Transport may be gearing up to ban drivers from using Google Glass even before it’s launched to the public.
A spokesperson for the DfT told Stuff Magazine that they 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.”
The spokesperson continued: “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."
The DfT did, however, affirm that 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.
Is the DfT wrong?
Some commentators have already criticised the DfT, stating that it should be looking to work constructively with Google. This might include adaptations to the hardware and software mean that a ‘car mode’ which adapts its behaviour and functionality for use on the road. This is similar to flight mode, or airplane mode – a feature included in most mobile phones and electronic devices which suspends many of the device's signal transmitting functions.
The use of flight mode means that a mobile device, which is generally prohibited due to the potential for interference with avionics systems, can still be used whilst in the air.
Should stereos be banned too? Daily Mail commenters think so.
Others, including commenters on The Daily Mail website, backed the DfT line of thinking - holding the opinion that "people can't even walk straight whilst talking on a mobile, let alone drive a car. And these things will be an even bigger distraction."
One commenter from Cheddar in Somerset went a step further stating that "no mobile phone calls while you are driving and no Google Glass either" boldly adding "I'd ban stereos too; you drive to the music and not the road conditions."
Drawing comparisons to Satellite Navigation systems, a commenter from London added: "Sat nav is different because you're meant to just glance at it. Google Glass obscures the road and would obviously cause crashes."
Until Google Glass arrives, you’ll need to stick to using your smartphone to improve your driving experience. Check out our 6 iphone apps that will change how you drive, and click below to search for cars that will allow you to use your smartphone while driving.