Apple Watch May Put Drivers at Risk Says National Safety Council

With all the hype and attention focused on the newly released Apple Watch, one group may see the new technology as a form of roadside accident waiting to happen.

That group is the National Safety Council, which has expressed concern “about the risks of using a smart watch, such as the newly released Apple Watch, while driving.”

The organization notes: “Numerous studies have shown that drivers using cell phones significantly increase their risk of being involved in a crash. Smart watches, which have capabilities similar to smart phones, could be even riskier, according a study conducted in the U.K.”

Drivers wearing smart watches can call, text, email and surf the web, but the watch also vibrates when it receives a notification. Sounds great.

On the other hand, that vibration could be very difficult to ignore. It’s a natural impulse to look at our wrist.

“This,” the group says, “could take a driver’s eyes off the road and mind off the drive – a recipe for disaster.” The Council urges everyone who purchases a smart watch to turn it off or remove it before driving.

In sum, it stated: “All calls can kill, and no text, email or social media update is worth a life.”

Category: Featured, General Update, Safety