Since the introduction of Smart Watches in 2015, the question has been pondered as to whether the use of them is legal. While Arizona does not have a statewide texting-while-driving ban, in Phoenix, Flagstaff and Tucson drivers have been banned from using their phones while driving. You may initially think that a Smart Watch may qualify as a “hands-free device”, it is in fact, the exact opposite. In order to use these devices or even view the screen, you would have to take at least one hand off the wheel. Also, in order to perform a function on a Smart Watch, it would require two hands.
Is a Smart Watch More Dangerous Than A Smart Phone?
The Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) is warning consumers and drivers alike that Smart Watches are potentially more distracting than Smart Phones and other mobile devices. While those who do not want their mobile phones to distract them can put the device away and out of sight, Smart Watch owners wear them at all times.
According to a study conducted by the Transport Research Laboratory (TRL) Smart Watches are actually more dangerous to use than a SmartPhone. “The TRL found that a driver reading a text on a Smart Watch takes an average of 2.52 seconds to react to an unexpected event. That compares with 1.85 seconds for a driver using a SmartPhone and 0.9 seconds for a driver talking to someone else in the car.”
Laws About Driving and Smart Watches
With new technologies come new laws. Unfortunately, these laws often take years to go into effect. While most states do not currently have laws prohibiting the use of Smart Watches while driving, they do have laws regarding distracted driving. There are states that are attempting to change current distracted driving statutes to cover Smart Watches and other electronic wearable devices. Currently, Arizona is not one of them.
If legislatures passed new laws regarding wearable technology, the question remains of how effectively police can enforce them. It is not illegal to check the time on your watch, but how are the authorities to determine the difference between checking the time and performing a function on a wearable device?
Were You in a Car Accident Due to a Distracted Driver?
In conclusion, drivers are urged to remove their Smart Watches or turn their notifications off while they are driving. The temptation to check a message may result in a serious collision.
