THE LATEST FAD for high-tech gadgets worn on the wrist is drawing the attention of safety campaigners.
The latest is Apple’s Watch, and with the anticipated demand, there is a renewed push to explicitly ban such technology being used while driving.
UK-based advocacy group, Institute for Advanced Motorists, has warned that the Apple Watch has the potential to significantly impair driving performance and become a “major cause” for distraction and accidents.
This is hardly surprising, since thousands of injuries and at least 110 fatalities in the UK were attributed to cell phones between 2006 and 2010. Wearable devices connected to mobile phones can only increase the problem.
“Constant alerts will require motorists’ regular attention,” IAM said in a statement. “As opposed to using a legal hands-free piece of equipment the iWatch will require drivers to use two hands to operate the device – impacting speed, lane position and time spent looking at the road.”
UK authorities have declared that the Apple Watch and similar devices will be legally considered equivalent to a cell phone when used by drivers and will incur the same penalty if they are used when driving. In the UK, the penalty is currently GBP100 and the loss of three licence points. If the use of a cell phone or a watch is found to be a contributing factor in a fatal accident, drivers face up to two years in prison.
“Enforcement will be difficult for the police, but powers exist to seize and intwerrogate devices in the event of a serious crash,” says IAM director Neil Grieg. “The very device that distracted you also has the power to convict you.”
Australian laws regarding distracted driving vary state by state (now there’s a surprise!) but in most cases wearable gadgets like Apple Watches will be considered no differently than mobile phones.