West Virginia Moves to Ban Google Glass Before it's Released
Google Glass, which is the newest product in the works for Google, is a wearable computer with a head-mounted display that displays information in a smartphone-like hands-free format. Google Glass is already facing certain legal restrictions, however, and lawmakers in West Virginia are preparing a bill that would prohibit "using a wearable computer with head mounted display" while driving. The networked specs are not yet commercially available, but lawmakers are trying to ensure that new technology stays in line with existing state bans on driving while texting or using a phone without a hands-free set.
The Republican for West Virginia Legislature who proposed the bill said that he believes the government has a duty to make sure that citizens don't injure or kill someone else while driving. While many people like the idea of the product and believe that it is a critical part of moving into the future, they do not want new technology to interfere with the legislature they have worked hard to establish. There are many predictions that young people, who are the most tech-savvy, are also the most vulnerable and underskilled drivers. Therefore, they are the most likely to be involved in texting and driving crashes.
Texting and driving is illegal for all drivers in West Virginia, and there is a handheld ban for all drivers that is secondary law until July 1, 2013. Teenagers with learner's permits or intermediate licenses are prohibited from using wireless communication devices while driving under teen driver laws, and school bus drivers may not use cell phones while operating the vehicles. The fines for this new proposed legislation would have the same fines as texting/handheld cell phone, which is $100 for a first offense, $200 for a second offense, and $300 for a third offense.
Why is it illegal to text and drive? Statistics show that texting while driving is one of the most dangerous activities that drivers can engage in while on the road. Wireless devices are the number one source of driver inattention, and drivers that use cell phones are four times as likely to get into crashes serious enough to injure themselves. Part of the reason why driving while distracted is so dangerous is because it reduces the amount of brain activity associated with driving by 37 percent.
If you have been injured in a car accident, it is helpful to conduct an investigation in order to determine who and what is to blame for your car crash. You can find the dedicated help you need with your accident when you call Mani Ellis & Layne, PLLC. Our firm has obtained millions of dollars in settlements and jury verdicts for our clients, and we know how to pursue compensation for you after you have been injured because of a negligent driver. Call now!