Does Google Glass make texting while driving safer? Probably not, according to a recent study conducted at the University of Central Florida.
The study placed drivers in a driving simulator to test their ability to send messages using Google Glass, their own smartphones or an unfamiliar smartphone. During each test, drivers were asked to send text messages on the device they were given. As they texted, the simulator showed a car slamming on its brakes ahead of their own.
All the texting drivers needed more time to see the vehicle and to react than drivers who were not distracted, according to researchers. For the distracted drivers, it did not matter whether they were using Google Glass, their own smartphone or a different smartphone – all three groups had to slam on their brakes or swerve to avoid the “car” ahead, while drivers who were not distracted had time to brake slowly and in a controlled manner.
Based on these reactions, researchers concluded that Google Glass still causes distraction that can easily lead to a crash – a fact that already concerns many New York distracted driving accident lawyers when it comes to texting and cell phone use.
However, the researchers did note that the Glass users were able to regain control of their vehicles more quickly than the smartphone users after the emergency maneuvers. This finding implies that it may be possible to come up with technology that doesn’t imperil drivers or those who share the road with them. But the research team says more work is needed before recommendations for “safer” technology can be developed.