Google is lobbying US officials in a bid to stop regulation preventing drivers from wearing Google Glass
Google has begun lobbying officials in three US states in efforts to halt any possible restrictions on wearing Google Glass while driving.
Battle: US lawmakers want drivers to ditch Glass behind the wheel
According to Reuters, moves are underway in Illinois, Delaware and Missouri to try and persuade elected officials that there is no need for driving restrictions to be attached to the device. At least eight US states are considering introducing regulation on the issue out of concern that the device could distract drivers and increase road accidents.
But Google, which is set to begin rolling the product out for sale this year following a lengthy trial involving 30,000 selected people last year, is committing resources in a big to convince officials that regulations is not necessary.
When asked by Reuters about its lobbying efforts, Google said: “We think it is important to be part of those discussions. While Glass is currently in the hands of a small group of Explorers, we find that when people try it for themselves they better understand the underlying principle that it’s not meant to distract but rather connect people more with the world around them.”
The news follows a US case earlier this year in which charges against a woman were dropped because there no evidence to suggest that her Google Glass device was operating when she was driving.
As the race between tech giants to stay ahead in the wearable tech sector gathers pace, any legal rulings over practicality or privacy will be watched closely by manufacturers.
In the UK, the department for transport admitted in August last year that talks with police had already begun to ensure that users did not wear the Google product while driving.