The high-fashion high-tech Google glasses won't be in style for West Virginia motorists. At least that's the idea behind new legislation seeking to outlaw driving while wearing computer headgear with visual displays. Gary Howell, a conservative delegate, said he was inspired to pre-emptively ban the so-called Google Glass by reading articles about the emerging technology. Google Glass is not yet on the market, but the promotional push already is under way. The glasses would run afoul of Howell's proposed law because they "project visual information into the field of vision of the wearer." (They also take HD videos of what's seen by the wearer.) Howell admits that one reason for filing the … [Read more...]
Hands-free texting OK’d in California
July 14, 2012 by 4 Comments
Californians soon will be free to use hands-free technology to text message while driving, under a measure signed into law Friday. The bill's sponsor called passage "a huge victory for commuters." Assemblyman Jeff Miller, R-Corona, pushed through the relatively low profile AB 1536. He cited the burden of current distracted driving limits on business people who spend so much time in vehicles: "I can relate to the frustration of many Californians who were unable to communicate with friends, family and business partners while driving because it is currently against the law to operate text based functions while driving," said Miller, pictured. He'd dubbed the bill the "freedom to communicate" … [Read more...]
Drivers: We’re texting, talking less
June 3, 2010 by Leave a Comment
U.S. drivers have cut back on talking and texting, thanks in part to distracted-driving laws, legislation and awareness, according to a new survey. Nationwide Insurance reports that about 40 percent of drivers who admit to texting while behind the wheel say they do it less frequently than they did a year ago. Of the 47 percent of drivers who say they engage in phone conversations while on the road, 30 percent reported that they do it less than last year. While the time spent on these distracted driving behaviors apparently is down, the percentage of people who admit to texting and talking while behind the wheel held steady. “This is the first survey we’ve seen showing drivers making … [Read more...]
Idaho: Cell phone laws, legislation
December 30, 2008 by 12 Comments
Distracted driving news: A measure that would bar teen drivers with six-month instruction permits from using cell phones is advancing in the House. The bill, requested by AAA Oregon/Idaho, cleared the the House Transportation Committee in a tight 9-7 vote taken Feb. 27. Chairman Joe Palmer voted against the plan, saying adults supervising the novice drivers should not be able to use cell phones, either: "They are in a teaching mode -- they shouldn't be allowed to talk on the phone." House Bill 155 was returned to the committee for rewording, and then goes to the House floor. Texting while driving is no longer permitted in Idaho. Enforcement began July 1, 2012, in time for the holiday … [Read more...]
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