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Car Touchscreens: More Dangerous Than Your Phone?
14 Jan
Summary
- Touchscreen use impairs driver reaction time by over 50 percent.
- Experts warn complex interfaces combine visual, manual, and cognitive distractions.
- Australia and New Zealand will require physical buttons from 2026.
Modern car touchscreens, often lauded for luxury, are increasingly being identified as a serious safety hazard. Experts are warning that interacting with these complex interfaces can impair driver reaction times by over 50 percent, exceeding the risks associated with using mobile phones while driving. This heightened distraction stems from the combined visual, manual, and cognitive demands of touchscreen use.
The implications of this distraction are significant, as studies indicate that extended periods away from the road are required to operate basic functions. This contrasts sharply with traditional manual buttons, which can be operated by muscle memory without compromising road awareness. The growing concern is leading to calls for a return to physical controls for essential features.
In response to these safety concerns, regulatory bodies are taking action. Australia and New Zealand's ANCAP Safety program will require manufacturers to reintroduce physical buttons for key controls by 2026. This move aims to mitigate the risks posed by distracting in-car technology and prioritize safe driving practices.
