Using Google Glass & In-Car Tech While Driving

Google Glass, the wearable that allows users to communicate via a heads up display within their normal field of view, should not be used while driving. A new study by the University of Central Florida indicates that Google Glass is nearly as distracting to drivers as a smart phone.

The study’s findings were released from the University on September 24^th. UCF Researcher Ben Sawyer said, “Texting with either a smartphone or Glass will cause distraction and should be avoided while driving.” What caused Sawyer to make this claim? In this case, fairly staggering research findings.

The study, jointly conducted with the Air Force Research Lab, is considered the first scientific look at the impact of Google Glass while driving. 40 “twentysomethings” were recruited for this research. The research methodology consisted of the subjects using a driving simulator. While “driving” the test subjects used either Google Glass or a smart phone. They had to react to the driver in front of them slamming on their brakes. Those wearing Google Glass performed no better than those using a smart phone. However, those equipped with Google Glass were more easily able to get back to normal driving. Sawyer explained, “While Glass-using drivers demonstrated some areas of improved performance in recovering from the brake event, the device did not improve their response to the event itself.” It was also reported that Glass users left less space between them and the vehicle ahead of them, which means that they felt more secure while wearing the Glass verses using a smart phone.

Dealerships don’t sell phones or Google Glass, but those products are still important to them. One reason is in-car technology is on the rise. Customers have multiple options for connecting their smart phone to their vehicle via Bluetooth. The interfaces are simplified, however they can still be dangerous. The National Safety Council created a report which reads, “An under-recognized point is that the integration of these electronic devices (in-car tech) into vehicles may irrevocably drive consumer demand and influence driver behavior, and create a greater risk than that of handheld mobile devices alone.” The feel from the NSC indicates drivers using in-car systems may become more distracted in the future than they are today with smart phones. Is this possible? Will drivers in 2020 be even more distracted? The answer as always, is up to you.