Exclusive: Google sets roadblocks to stop

"Google Inc has deployed lobbyists to persuade elected officials in Illinois, Delaware and Missouri that it is not necessary to restrict use of Google Glass behind the wheel, according to state lobbying disclosure records and interviews conducted by Reuters." - Kevin (aka ThreadKilla)

There's a reason that people in the military receive training in how to use heads up displays and other devices properly. Glass shouldn't be legal for drivers until there's some research that demonstrates that it doesn't make drivers more prone to accidents. - Kevin (aka ThreadKilla)

I'm thinking Google is just asking for tort liability by pushing this. If Glass is criminalized, then the users bear the burden and Google can just wash their hands. "We told them not to, not our fault." But if they're actually pushing for road usage and claiming it's perfectly safe without having the data to back that up, well, they sure seem like they'd be a big juicy target for ambulance chasers. - Victor Ganata

If you're THAT important or in demand that you must use Glass when you drive, you need to get a driver. - Johnny

It's the best navigation app going. I don't think it is more distracting than a Garmin. - Eric Logan

Mercedes has been working on an app along with a number of other car manufacturers. Telematics in the car including displays on the windshield are coming also. http://www.wired.com/autopia... - Eric Logan

I'd prefer that people have nothing but a clear plain glass windshield in front of them when they drive. This need to constantly be connected to everything on the planet while driving is ludicrous. As someone who commutes at least 100 miles every day, I've seen my fair share of distracted driver accidents and have almost been rear-ended or side-swiped by texting and cell-phone using drivers multiple times. If someone throws up legislation banning this crap in California, I will be the first in line to sign. - Hookuh Tinypants

I wonder if Google is aiming for an exemption for people in their self-driving cars. - Andrew C (✔)

Augmented reality windshields. https://www.youtube.com/watch... - Eric Logan

That's fine, but does it read your tweets and messages? Can you load up a YouTube clip? Can you turn your head to take a photo? HUD that pertain exclusively to driving are fine. - Johnny

Plus, if you're reading your Garmin, you're kinda doing it wrong. - Johnny

Which leads me to this question: Why aren't commercial billboards regulated out of existence? - they are extraneous distractions that reduce safe driving. - Micah

The apps that are being built prevent Glass from doing anything, but navigation while driving. The Mercedes app uses apple servers so they have more control. That video is not even new on the HUD. They are definitely coming newer versions incorporate collision avoidance and sensor data and is being built into each new vehicle and the progression is speeding up now. - Eric Logan

That's only if you're using your Glass for navigation, yes? - Johnny

Obviously there will be workarounds. Cars that self report speeding and light violations are also coming. - Eric Logan

" Cars that self report speeding and light violations are also coming." That'll be a big hit! Move over Edsel. - Todd

There has to be workarounds. If your Glass detects motion and disables the Glass to only Navigation then how would the passengers with Glass use their pairs? The dismissive hand waving that this isn't a real problem is precisely why people are uneasy with the breakneck speed of these new devices. This stuff needs to be thoroughly addressed BEFORE they get into the hands of people behind the wheel. The mobile phone doesn't distract you, it's the messages and content. Changing the medium doesn't remove the distraction - Johnny

I am not hand waving. I have worn them it's one of the few practical uses for Glass. Something like it is coming and will be in broad use. It probably will not be Glass. - Eric Logan

Which is precisely why legislation needs to exist. I'm not doubting Glass and Glass-like devices are great for navigation but I dare say that would be a small percentage of actual usage by drivers, particularly young ones. - Johnny

Yes, you need some forethought, but a lot of issues can only be discovered after launch. - Andrew C (✔)

There's plenty of research on distracted driving. I really don't think it would be a stretch to apply it to Glass. And even if Google doesn't look into it, I'm sure all the personal injury lawyers will. - Victor Ganata

Glass is a distraction from the bigger picture in the telematics space. "Embrace intelligent mobility, because the question is no longer if, but when." http://www.telematicsupdate.com/detroit... - Eric Logan

Granted, self-driven cars will eliminate this issue, but until then…. - Victor Ganata

I agree with Johnny that we need to legislate those things that we haven't yet figured out will happen. - Glen Campbell

California at least already has distracted driving laws which would cover Glass. I imagine Glass enthusiasts will want to try to push legislation that will restrict the discretion of cops to pull over Glass wearers on a whim. I can't imagine they'll be satisfied with having to go to court every single time to get out of the ticket or else take a hit on their car insurance premiums. - Victor Ganata

Glen is right. Maybe we should wait and name the law after the first person killed by a Glass-distracted driver. Sounds like a plan. - Johnny

It gets my vote. :D - Hookuh Tinypants

If Google were really serious about making Glass useful- and not distracting - for drivers, they'd fund some NHTSA (or credibly independent) research on how wearables enhance driver situational awareness. Who knows? Maybe Google can actually make a legitimate case that Glass enhances safety. But the preemptive lobbying strategy seems self-defeating. - Kevin (aka ThreadKilla)

Coincidentally Google sent out more invites today if anyone wants to try a pair. I would be happy to send you one. I rarely use mine, but an affiliate company is building an app for car salesman that integrates glass into laser appraiser. - Eric Logan

I would - MoTO Boychick Devil

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