In a bold move prioritizing safety over technology, the European New Car Assessment Program (Euro NCAP), a renowned authority on vehicle safety ratings, has sounded the alarm on the potential dangers of touchscreens in cars. The watchdog agency has strongly recommended a return to traditional physical buttons for essential controls, citing the risk of driver distraction posed by touchscreen interfaces.
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European Safety Agency Raises Red Flag on Touchscreens in Cars
As vehicles have evolved, automakers have embraced touchscreens as the new norm, often replacing physical buttons and knobs with sleek digital displays. However, Euro NCAP’s announcement comes as a wake-up call, urging manufacturers to reconsider this trend and prioritize safety over technological advancement.
Matthew Avery, Euro NCAP’s director of strategic development, highlighted the industry-wide issue, stating, “The overuse of touchscreens is an industry-wide problem. Almost every vehicle maker is moving key controls onto central touchscreens, obliging drivers to take their eyes off the road and raising the risk of distraction crashes.”
The agency’s concern stems from the potential for touchscreens to divert a driver’s attention, particularly in critical situations where swift action is required. Functions such as turn signals, hazard lights, and other essential controls are recommended to be operated through physical buttons to minimize distractions and promote safer driving.
While Euro NCAP lacks regulatory authority, its influence over safety ratings could compel automakers to reevaluate their reliance on touchscreen controls. Compliance with the agency’s suggestions may become a factor in achieving favorable safety ratings, compelling manufacturers to strike a balance between cutting-edge technology and driver safety.
“New Euro NCAP tests due in 2026 will encourage manufacturers to use separate, physical controls for basic functions in an intuitive manner, limiting eyes-off-road time and therefore promoting safer driving,” Avery emphasized.
In the United States, distracted driving campaigns have traditionally focused on cellphone use behind the wheel. However, as concerns over pedestrian safety and distracted driving incidents continue to rise, it is expected that touchscreen usage in vehicles will become a topic of discussion and potential regulation.
While touchscreens have undoubtedly brought convenience and modernity to the driving experience, Euro NCAP’s stance serves as a reminder that safety should always take precedence. As technology continues to advance, it is crucial for automakers and safety organizations to work together to strike the right balance, ensuring that innovation does not come at the cost of compromising driver and pedestrian safety.
