In the past few years, there has been a significant shift in the way drivers interact with their vehicles. The traditional physical buttons on dashboards have been replaced by touchscreens, giving cars a more modern and technologically advanced feel. However, recent scientific evidence suggests that touchscreens may actually compromise driver safety.
According to ANCAP Safety, a car safety assessment program in Australia and New Zealand, touchscreens are being scrutinized for their impact on driver distraction. From 2026, car manufacturers will be urged to bring back physical buttons for essential controls like headlights and windscreen wipers. This move is aimed at improving the overall safety of vehicles by reducing the need for drivers to divert their attention from the road to operate various functions.
Human factors research has long established that distraction plays a significant role in road accidents. Distraction can be visual, manual, cognitive, or a combination of these factors. Interactions with touchscreen menus can lead to distractions similar to texting while driving, as they require visual and cognitive resources that should be focused on the road.
A recent UK study conducted by TRL found that drivers’ reaction times significantly increased when interacting with touchscreens in cars. This delay in reaction time could lead to longer stopping distances and impaired driving performance. Surprisingly, touchscreen interaction was found to be as distracting, if not more, than texting while driving.
Consumer surveys have also highlighted concerns about touchscreen-heavy designs in vehicles. Many drivers find infotainment systems, controlled through touchscreens, to be frustrating and distracting while driving. The complexity of navigating menus and adjusting settings on touchscreens can lead to usability issues and complaints from users.
While voice recognition has been touted as a safer alternative to touchscreens, research suggests that it also poses risks to driver safety. Voice interaction can still impair driving performance and increase reaction times, albeit to a lesser extent than touchscreens.
In response to these safety concerns, car safety assessment programs like ANCAP Safety and Euro NCAP are now requiring physical controls for certain functions to award the highest safety ratings to new vehicles. Manufacturers are beginning to respond to these requirements by reintroducing physical buttons for essential controls.
In conclusion, the evidence is clear: tactile controls for frequently used functions like temperature, fan speed, and lights are essential for safe driving. Touchscreens are better suited for secondary functions that can be adjusted before driving. By prioritizing safety and usability, car manufacturers can ensure that their vehicles provide a safe and distraction-free driving experience for all users.
