Driver In Canada Fined For Using Apple Watch While Cruising

Using a smartphone while driving is illegal nearly everywhere, but with the smartwatch now up-and-coming, there surely must be a fence on whether these wrist computers are just as much of a distraction. One Canadian commuter, who has accrued iv points on his license and been hit with a fine of $120 for using his Apple tree Spotter while driving, believes that the law is not clear enough, and when you wait at the wording of his supposed violation, it's hard to disagree with his assessment.

The story goes that one Jeffrey Macesin was cruising forth, using his Apple Scout to skip through songs. His iPhone was in his pocketbook whilst this was happening, so clearly out of his reach and non distracting him. Having been defenseless flicking through tunes, information technology was deemed that he was in violation of section 439.1 of the Quebec Highway Rubber Code which states that "No person may, while driving a route vehicle, use a handheld device that includes a phone function."

It'southward an interesting scenario, specially since, if we're splitting hairs, the Apple Watch is not a handheld. Certain, it can make calls and receive them via an iPhone, but it doesn't seem that the Watch, or indeed whatsoever other such wearable, is properly covered past this line in the Quebec Highway Condom code.

As Mascein notes:

Information technology's non so much handheld. Information technology's a watch. You know, it'southward on my wrist. That'south where it gets controversial. It'due south like, 'Is it? Is information technology not?' merely I recollect this needs to be talked about.

Macesin is adamant to fight his case, and a specialist traffic lawyer Avi Levy seems to think he has i. Levy sees the Apple Lookout man every bit more of a Bluetooth accessory than a telephone, adding:

It'due south [Apple Spotter] rather a Bluetooth device that communicates a telephone signal from the phone and it has been established in the law that you're allowed to use Bluetooth devices and it doesn't institute an infraction.

There's no question that using an Apple Watch to flit through songs tin be seen every bit a distraction, and could impair the focus of a commuter plenty to cause a crash. However, the same can be said of in-car infotainment devices and, as the lawyer points out, other general Bluetooth devices.

The law in Quebec, every bit well as elsewhere, volition need to be a scrap more black-and-white on its continuing with smartwatches, but if you lot do opt to drive while using your wrist gadget, don't exist surprised if you are also pulled over and put to rights.

Practice you believe a wearable like the Apple Watch should be tarred with the same brush as a smartphone when being used behind the bicycle?

(Source: CTV News via iPhone Hacks)