Are we smart enough for smart glasses?
A number of articles have discussed the relatively new Ray Ban Meta smart glasses called Stories which allow users to record video, take pictures, make wireless calls, and more. These glasses have regular lenses, and their data is wirelessly transmitted to the user’s phone. There is no screen in the lens, and they can operate handsfree using voice commands.
Orion like the above, is a pair of smart glasses but promises some of the features of a VR headset in a form factor similar to Stories. Orion would project images into the lenses to allow users to interact with their environment using a combination of hand gestures and verbal commands.
As lawyers that deal with motor vehicle accidents, some of which are brought on by distracted drivers, we are not looking forward to hearing that our clients were injured because the defendant had a virtual screen open which blocked their vision. While we remain optimistic that most people would have the good sense to avoid using these features while driving, our police services continue to pull people over and ticket them for using their cellphones. While a police officer can see a driver looking into their lap, a driver using Orion would be looking straight ahead. Enforcement could be a challenge.
The risk to motorists who may choose to use Orion could go beyond bodily injury. Insurance companies can deny coverage if a driver causes an accident while doing something which is prohibited in the contract of insurance or is otherwise illegal. As it stands, individuals with a record of having been caught on their cell phone face steep increases in insurance premiums, non-renewal, or the requirement for specialized coverage.
While denying coverage altogether is a drastic step that most insurance companies seldomly take, one could argue that an increase in premium is not a drastic enough consequence to those found guilty of distracted driving, particularly where that decision causes another person grave harm.
Smart glasses of the Orion variety could become an additional danger on the roads. Enforcement of their use while operating a vehicle could come with substantial difficulties. Unless companies introduce some software restrictions that prevent them from being used when they detect you are in a moving vehicle, motorized scooter, or e-bike, we may see an increase of accidents caused by Orion-type smart glasses.
The government’s slogan, “Don’t Text and Drive”, may need to be expanded into a lengthier phrase.
If you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident, contact us. We are here to help. We will not charge any fees until the case is won or settled.
