Massachusetts is taking a proactive approach to road safety by moving to ban the use of Apple Vision Pro headsets while driving. The state representative, William Straus, was alarmed by videos circulating on the internet showing Tesla drivers in Autopilot mode wearing the new virtual reality headsets and typing on an invisible keyboard. Straus wants to make this behavior illegal and has proposed language to the Legislature’s transportation committee to ban the use of these headsets or similar technologies while behind the wheel.
Straus, the committee’s House chair, wasted no time in crafting the language with his staff, and it was added to an existing proposal that already aimed to prohibit drivers from recording or broadcasting themselves while driving. The fact that the proposal advanced out of committee within 48 hours is considered lightning-fast in Beacon Hill standards. However, it still needs to pass the full House and Senate before becoming law.
Apple’s Vision Pro headset has garnered praise for its awe-inspiring features and technological marvel. However, it comes with a hefty price tag starting at $3,500, not including additional add-ons that could increase the cost by another $1,000 or more. The affordability of this device for the average consumer remains uncertain. Nevertheless, Straus believes that the cost is not the point; rather, it is about addressing the issue of distracted driving and the potential dangers it poses.
Massachusetts has often been criticized for lagging behind in keeping up with technological advancements and their impact on society. It was the last state in New England to pass a ban on handheld devices while driving, finally doing so in 2019. This time, however, the transportation committee’s swift response within five days of the Vision Pro’s release demonstrates a commitment to addressing emerging issues promptly.
The videos of Tesla drivers wearing virtual reality goggles have caught the attention of federal officials as well. US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg issued a warning about driving while distracted and shared a video of a driver using the Vision Pro goggles in a Tesla Cybertruck pickup. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration also weighed in, stating that driving while wearing a virtual reality headset is reckless and disregards the safety of everyone on the road.
Even Apple’s own guidelines discourage the use of their device while operating a moving vehicle or engaging in activities that require attention to safety. Straus’ proposal aims to explicitly prohibit drivers from wearing, holding, or interacting with a spatial computer, augmented reality, or mixed reality device. It would also ban drivers from viewing any video, images, or text unrelated to operating or navigating the vehicle, whether displayed on a screen or worn as a headset.
Violators of the proposed ban would face fines similar to those for texting while driving: $100 for the first violation, $250 for the second violation, and $500 for subsequent violations. With an increase in roadway and pedestrian deaths in Massachusetts, advocates and lawmakers have been pushing for stricter rules. However, the effectiveness of the 2019 hands-free law has been questioned by some research. Cambridge Mobile Telematics reported that Massachusetts drivers spent 28% more time handling their phones behind the wheel in 2022 compared to 2020 when the hands-free law was implemented.
Straus emphasizes the need to act swiftly before people start considering it their right to use these devices while driving. By implementing this ban, Massachusetts aims to prioritize road safety and reduce distractions for motorists. The proposed legislation is an important step towards addressing the potential risks associated with emerging technologies and ensuring that drivers remain focused on the task at hand – operating their vehicles safely.
In conclusion, Massachusetts is taking a proactive approach to road safety by proposing a ban on Apple Vision Pro headsets and similar technologies while driving. The state representative, William Straus, aims to address the issue of distracted driving and prevent potential dangers on the road. The swift response from the transportation committee and the attention from federal officials highlight the urgency of this matter. By explicitly prohibiting the use of these headsets and imposing fines for violations, Massachusetts seeks to prioritize road safety and reduce distractions for motorists. This proposed legislation marks an important step towards keeping up with technological advancements and ensuring that drivers remain focused on the task of driving safely.