Road Safety: Runners Use Smart Glasses for Sub-Second Evidence
A writer describes using Meta AI eyewear to capture video of near misses, arguing the technology offers practical protection for runners on public roads.
By Ivan Dvorak ·
Runners crossing busy streets now have a way to record near misses in under a second. Nick, a writer for 9to5Google, began taking up running this summer and found the experience more dangerous than expected. They noted that they often speed up to avoid vehicles, even when using designated crosswalks. This habit raised a question about how a person on foot could document an accident without holding a phone.
The solution came from gear Nick already used. They wore Meta glasses on every run to create short clips for Strava, which included health stats from a smartwatch. The camera in the glasses allowed Nick to start recording in less than a second when a car approached. This speed addressed the main drawback of using a smartphone, where pulling the device out of a pocket or armband took too long.
The recording process requires minimal effort. Nick uses either a Meta Nova pair or an Oakley Meta HSTN pair. When a vehicle gets close, they hold the camera button to begin filming. After crossing the road, they press the button again to stop. The glasses are configured to record in three-minute segments, ensuring the footage does not cut off before a potential incident resolves.
The video files remain on the glasses until they reconnect to a phone. At that point, the footage syncs automatically. Nick described the system as effortless insurance. They stated that if they were buying new glasses today, they would be unlikely to choose a model without a camera. Nick acknowledged some criticism of camera-equipped eyewear but said the practical benefits outweigh the negatives.
For other runners considering the setup, Nick provided specific recommendations. The Oakley Meta HSTN glasses offer the tightest fit and a style suited for running. Cheaper Meta-branded pairs without Ray-Ban or Oakley labels are a better budget option, as Nick said there is no functional difference among the latest models. For those who prefer to avoid Meta products, Nick identified Rokid AI Glasses as the best alternative they have used.
