Russian technology start-up, Livemap, is working on creating a motorcycle helmet with voice control and GPS navigation built into to the helmet.
The company recently obtained a $300,000 grant to continue working on a motorcycle helmet that would place GPS navigation directly in a riders field of vision. The helmets would use an Android operating system, voice control and NAVTEQ mapping data.
The images on the display would be on the clear visor and not visible from the outside. Motorcyclists would still have a clear line of vision on the helmets. Livemaps motohelmet was inspired by fighter pilots who sometimes have displays pop up showing them important information directly in their helmets.
Livemap plans to unveil a prototype of the helmet in the spring and hopefully start sales in the United States by summer 2015. The helmet would eventually expand to being sold in Europe and Asia.
Some GPS companies, like Garmin, are building navigation devices that can be mounted on motorcycles, but none are looking to create a helmet that directly puts GPS in front of the rider.
Although Livemap is hoping that such technology will decrease the number of motorcycle accidents, testing will ultimately be able to show how safe this device would be. Riders and drivers already know how dangerous distracted driving is, so it is questionable whether or not these helmets will actually distract riders.
However, the helmets could also encourage more riders to use one especially in Ohio where only riders under the age of 17 are required to use helmets.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a motorcycle accident caused by a distracted driver, the victim may be entitled to file a personal injury claim. Contact the motorcycle accident attorneys at O’Connor, Acciani & Levy to determine what your legal options are.