Google's anticipated wearable peripheral Google Glass is treading on eggshells in some states even before its official release. A lawmaker in Illinois is concerned about the possible effects the device might have on drivers and is considering making it illegal for drivers on the road.
Google Glass is an innovative device that uses a small display to deliver information straight to the eyeballs of its users. With Google Glass, people can check emails, make phone calls, take photos and a lot more by simply interacting with the device, but has become a cause for concern for many traffic officials around the country.
The device will be released February next year for developers while the consumer release is scheduled later in 2014. Developers are expected to pay $1500 while consumers can get it cheaper. However, no details regarding the actual consumer price have been released as of yet.
Senator Ira Silverstein (Dem.) has filed new legislation in an attempt to keep drivers from getting distracted by the device while driving. This comes as no surprise as distractions such as Facebook notifications and emails on smartphones are already common causes of traffic accidents around the world.
While Illinois is still waiting for the results of the new legislation, using the device is already considered as questionable under the California law. In fact, a motorist has already been given a ticket for using the device while operating her vehicle. Cecilia Abadie was originally pulled over for speeding in the San Diego area but when the officer noticed her unusual eyewear, she was given another ticket for violating a controversial California law. The aforementioned California law makes it illegal for motorists in California to any type of display screen or monitor while operating a vehicle. The officer who pulled Abadie over considered the peripheral to be a type of display, and therefore, illegal under California Law. Abadie says that "It's so comfortable, I forget to take it off even when I don't use it." However, this was not enough to convince the officer. Abadie has challenged the ticket.
