A Garden State legislator says the state's laws must evolve with technology, and that's why he's pushing for a measure that addresses the danger of driving while using Google Glass.

Google Glass
Google Glass (Justin Sullivan, Getty Images)
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Assemb. Jason O'Donnell (D-Bayonne) is the sole sponsor of a bill to ban the use of wearable head-mounted computers, like Google Glass, while driving. O'Donnell acknowledged that not many people currently own Google Glass because of the cost, but he said that is likely to change.

"They may be very expensive today just like a flat screen TV was 10 years ago. Who doesn't have one now? In 2000, how many people had cell phones? How many people don't have cell phones today?" asked O'Donnell.

New Jersey is one of at least eight states considering legislation to ban the use of Google Glass while driving. A San Diego woman was ticketed in January for wearing the device behind the wheel, but was later found not guilty. Other states considering legislation include Delaware, New York, California, West Virginia, Illinois, Missouri and Wyoming.

"As Google Glass becomes more widely available you're going to see legislatures all over mandate that you can't wear these when you're driving," O'Donnell predicted.

On its website, Google describes the Google Explorer Edition as a "lightweight wearable technology that you can customize with different shades, frames and earbuds." The price is listed as $1,500.

Lobbyists for Google have reportedly told legislators in at least three other states that it would be premature to regulate the use of the devices while driving because they're not widely available yet. One the criticisms most often heard by lawmakers is that they wait for something to happen and then react. O'Donnell said there's nothing wrong with being proactive.

Specifically, the bill sponsored by O'Donnell prohibits the use of a wearable computer with a head-mounted display by an operator of a moving motor vehicle on a public road or highway. Violators would be subject to a $100 fine, but not motor vehicle points or automobile insurance eligibility points.

People taking part in Google Glass tests are advised by the company to obey all state laws that ban the use of certain mobile devices while driving. They are also reminded that safety comes first and paying attention to the road is a must.

 

 

 

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