Smart watch ‘bigger road threat than mobiles’

SMART watches such as the Apple Watch pose a bigger threat to road safety than mobile phones, the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) and Royal Automobile Club (RAC) said on Tuesday.

Apple entered the smart watch market for the first time last week. Picture: Getty

The motoring groups said the devices were even more of a tempting distraction behind the wheel than mobiles.

The IAM said such watches, which enable wearers to make calls and check messages, could “significantly impair driving performance”.

The Apple Watch, dubbed by commentators as the “iWatch”, was unveiled last week and is due to go on sale early next year. Other smart watches are already available.

IAM policy and research director Neil Greig said: “Constant alerts will require motorists’ regular attention. As opposed to using a legal hands-free piece of equipment, the iWatch will require drivers to use two hands to operate the device – impacting speed, lane position and time spent looking at the road.

“An iWatch has the potential to be just as distracting as any other smartphone device. Indeed, more so if you have to take your hand off the wheel and your eyes off the road to interact with it.

“Enforcement will be difficult for the police, but powers exist to seize and interrogate devices in the event of a serious crash.

“The very device that distracted you also has the power to convict you.”

Mr Greig said those caught faced a minimum £100 fine and three penalty points added to their driving licence - the same as for hand held mobile phone use while driving.

RAC spokesman Pete Williams said: “Anything causing even a momentary distraction for the driver is not a welcome addition.

“This is especially true of a watch because it would be so easy for the driver to take a quick look as it sits on their wrist, but then they may be drawn into reading a text or other content that takes their eyes off the road.”