Google Glass Driver Cleared By US Court

A Californian court has thrown out the case of a woman issued with a traffic ticket for driving whilst wearing Google’s wearable Glass technology – on the grounds that it was not possible to prove she was actually using them at the time.

Cecilia Abadie was pulled over on 30 October for speeding on a San Diego freeway when the officer saw she was wearing Google Glass and issued her with a ticket under laws that ban motorists from having a video or TV screen switched on in the front of a moving vehicle.

However, Commissioner John Blair ruled Abadie was not guilty, stating that she had been cited under a code that requires proof beyond a reasonable doubt that the device was in operation, which the officer did not provide, with her lawyer claiming the device was not activated at the time. Abadie, who pleaded not guilty to both charges, was also cleared of speeding.

Eyes on the road

A software developer, Abadie said she was among 30,000 people selected to try out Google Glass before the technology goes on sale later this year. “I believe we have to start experimenting with devices like this,” she told reporters outside the court. “A hands-free device is safer than a cell phone.”

“I believe it’s an initial success but we have a long way to go,” she said.

Lawmakers in at least three other US states – Delaware, New Jersey and West Virginia – are moving to bring in new laws against driving with Google Glass, which they claim distracts drivers from paying due attention.

Google’s website contains an advisory for users: “Read up and follow the law. Above all, even when you’re following the law, don’t hurt yourself or others by failing to pay attention to the road.”

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