Featured
Drivers Beware, You Can’t Use Your Moto 360 or Apple Watch Behind The Wheel
Drivers have been warned not to use smartwatches while driving
Drivers in the UK have been warned of the dangers of using a smartwatch while at the wheel of their cars.
A spokesperson from the Department for Transport has revealed there will be penalties for anyone causing accidents whilst driving and using smartwear. The spokesperson said, “If records show you were texting from said watch, you’ve given police enough material to be able to charge you. We are considering a number of further options to deter drivers.”
Existing laws cover smartwatches in an attempt to deter drivers from using smartwatches whilst on the move.
“Using a mobile phone or any device that distracts a driver whilst driving is extremely dangerous and is already illegal. We increased the fine to £100 last August for using a mobile phone whilst driving.”
Just checking the time on your wrist as you would do with a normal kind of watch is legal, it is when the driver is distracted by other features of a smartwatch such as texting or using an app.
Unlike smartphones though, driving and using a smartwatch isn’t outright banned, it’s currently a little more up in the air than that. If you’re caught using a smartwatch there wont be an on-the-spot-fine or three points on your license like a smartphone, instead you may be charged for dangerous driving, careless and inconsiderate driving, failure to be in proper control of the vehicle or driving without due care and attention.
Earlier this year there has been some controversy about using Google Glass headwear while driving. Critics claim it can distract drivers from the road as they have to look up to the side to use the headwear.
Would you ever try to use a smartwatch whilst driving? Do you think they are a distraction from the road? Let us know in the comments below.
James Peckham
16:24, 18 Sep 2014