Google Glass As Distracting As Smartphones For Drivers

The first scientific study on wearing Google Glass while driving has shown that the high-tech eyewear and smartphones are equally distracting.

Researchers at the University of Central Florida asked 40 people to drive in a simulator while texting about an arithmetic problem. Some used Google Glass, while others used a smartphone. During the simulation, a car suddenly stopped in front of the drivers, forcing them to react in order to avoid a collision. When the reaction times from the two groups were calculated it was found that there was no difference in response between the two.

While Google Glass does allow users to use voice or head motions to text, psychological researcher Ben Sawyer told Reuters it isn't safer just because the driver's eyes don't leave the road.

"Looking does not necessarily mean you are seeing," Sawyer told Reuters.

After the near-collision, smartphone users gave themselves more space between their car and the vehicle ahead of them, while Google Glass wearers got back up to speed more quickly, suggesting Google Glass might make its users overly confident.