Driving and Smartwatch/Voice Controls

Mr Jones

Mr Jones

Mr Jones

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I was reading this article:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-29238264

BBC News said:
Motorists are being warned about the dangers of using a smartwatch while driving.

Accidents caused by drivers distracted by the devices would result in severe penalties, a Department for Transport (DfT) spokesman said.

"If records show you were texting from said watch," the spokesman said, "you've given police enough material to be able to charge you."

He added: "We are considering a number of further options to deter drivers."

Smartwatches are covered by existing laws designed to stop people checking gadgets while on the move.

"Using a mobile phone or any device that distracts a driver whilst driving is extremely dangerous and is already illegal," the DfT said.

"We increased the fine to £100 last August for using a mobile phone whilst driving."
Click to expand...

So basically the use of Smartwatch is a no, accoding to the DfT and to an extend, I agree as it involves your eyes off the road and tapping your wrist.

But it got me thinking...

What about the use of Voice Control? We have Ford actively showing their voice control etc. I personally use a Windows Phone and regularly use Cortana to reply messages I've received (that was read aloud). Does that mean it's not allow either?

I mean, if I did reply via voice and got involved in an accident, police involvement and saw a text sent around time of incident, does that automatically make one guilty of dangerous driving despite both hands on wheel and both eyes ahead?

Then that leads to a slippery slope of, what about talking to your passenger whilst driving then? Or worst still, having kids in car??

Food for thought.
 
Mr Jones said:
I was reading this article:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-29238264



So basically the use of Smartwatch is a no, accoding to the DfT and to an extend, I agree as it involves your eyes off the road and tapping your wrist.

But it got me thinking...

What about the use of Voice Control? We have Ford actively showing their voice control etc. I personally use a Windows Phone and regularly use Cortana to reply messages I've received (that was read aloud). Does that mean it's not allow either?

I mean, if I did reply via voice and got involved in an accident, police involvement and saw a text sent around time of incident, does that automatically make one guilty of dangerous driving despite both hands on wheel and both eyes ahead?

Then that leads to a slippery slope of, what about talking to your passenger whilst driving then? Or worst still, having kids in car??

Food for thought.
Click to expand...

I'm not sure using it is a no. Texting is no which seems fairly obvious.

I'm assuming the below is fine.

occasionally looking to see directions (Gps)

Voice control
 
Eliot said:
I'm not sure using it is a no. Texting is no which seems fairly obvious.

I'm assuming the below is fine.

occasionally looking to see directions (Gps)

Voice control
Click to expand...

But if you are seen looking at a phone no matter where it is for directions you can get points...?
 
All this will come down to whether or not you were driving without due care and attention.

Same as it being perfectly legal to drive while using CB, but if you're driving like a nob they'll pull you for that instead.
 
Diagro said:
But if you are seen looking at a phone no matter where it is for directions you can get points...?
Click to expand...

Surely if it is dash mounted and running Cygic or some other GPS software, then that is allowed? Otherwise that is ridiculous, and I have been breaking the law.
 
It just sounds really ambiguous right now; can you contest if you were given an on the spot fine, e.g. looking at your smartwatch/phone/Mobile GPS but not calling or texting (thus leaving no data/info 'trial') as evidence?
 
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