Apple Watch Deemed Distracted Driving Hazard in UK
Apple has given drivers an all-new device to distract them while driving, and UK authorities are already weighing in on penalties for using it.
If the operation of an Apple Watch while driving results in a fatal crash, drivers can face up to two years in prison according to British authorities. If you are caught simply using the Apple watch in England while driving, there is a 100-pound fine (roughly $163USD) and a three point hit on your driving record.
The UK’s Institute for Advanced Motorists is leading the charge for regulating the new wearable technology. “An [Apple] Watch has the potential to be just as distracting as any other smartphone device,” said Neil Greig, IAM Director of Policy and Research. “Indeed more so if you have to take your hand off the wheel and your eyes off the road to interact with it.”
No specific legislation has been laid down in the US when it comes to the new Apple Watch or similar wearable devices, though Russ Rader, senior vice president at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, told the Detroit Bureau that he expected existing laws “would apply,” to this technology.
[Source: Detroit Bureau]
Stephen covers all of the day-to-day events of the industry as the News Editor at AutoGuide, along with being the AG truck expert. His truck knowledge comes from working long days on the woodlot with pickups and driving straight trucks professionally. When not at his desk, Steve can be found playing his bass or riding his snowmobile or Sea-Doo. Find Stephen on <A title="@Selmer07 on Twitter" href="http://www.twitter.com/selmer07">Twitter</A> and <A title="Stephen on Google+" href="http://plus.google.com/117833131531784822251?rel=author">Google+</A>
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