Unlike 25 years ago, when a car radio was the only distraction available, drivers today can choose among an increasing number of devices that may cause serious accidents, such as fatal truck-car accidents and pedestrian-car accidents. These days the number of distractions drivers face is endless. They include cell phones, GPS systems, smartphones, video players, tablets, etc.
These distractions, especially cell phones and smartphones, can lead to serious and fatal car, truck or bus accidents. Despite this well-known risk, drivers continue to text while driving and talk on their phones while driving. There are many car accidents in the U.S. every day that are caused by drivers who were texting or talking on the phone.
Many states have laws prohibiting the use of cell phones and smartphones while driving. New Jersey is one of those states. In fact, New Jersey prohibits drivers from talking and texting while driving. See NJ Cell Phone Use & Car Accident Law: NJ Gets Tougher on Distracted Driving – By A NJ Car Accident Lawyer
With new technology and gadgets coming on the market, state legislators must draft new laws to prohibit drivers from using these new devices while driving to prevent car accidents.
The newest device that has gained popularity in the last year is Google Glass, a computer eyeglass frame with a hidden camera and tiny display that responds to voice commands. It can check emails, take pictures, etc. It performs many of the same functions as a smartphone. Three states, including New Jersey, have already drafted laws that specifically ban the use of Google Glass while driving. The other two states are Delaware and West Virginia.
In June 2013, New Jersey Assemblyman Jason O’Donnell sponsored a bill that would prohibit New Jersey drivers from using a “wearable computer with head mounted display” while driving a motor vehicle on a public road or highway. The bill specifically mentions Google Glass and defines a wearable computer as any device that projects visual information in a driver’s field of vision.
The way the bill currently stands, a fine of $100 would be imposed on a NJ driver who uses a “wearable computer with head mounted display” while driving. The bill has been referred to the Assembly’s Law and Public Safety Committee.
The dangers of using Google Glass while driving were widely debated recently after a California woman was cited for wearing Google Glass while driving. The traffic court judge ruled in her favor earlier this month stating that there was no evidence that the device was on. See Car Accidents in NJ – Technology Creates New Distractions for NJ Drivers
It will be interesting to see what happens in the coming months with regard to the use of Google Glass while driving as Google Glass becomes more popular.
Help After a Car Accident Caused by a Driver Texting on the Phone
If you were injured in a car accident caused by a driver who was texting on his cell phone in Cherry Hill, Marlton or Camden, NJ, call Philip Ciprietti to schedule a FREE initial legal consultation. Mr. Ciprietti has been representing injured car, bus and truck accident victims for over 35 years. 800-281-8695