Drivers have been cautioned to avoid vehicles equipped with touchscreens, as 89% prefer physical buttons over digital controls, which could impact the resale value of the car.
Studies show that most people prefer using physical buttons and switches over touch controls when driving, with 60% of drivers hesitant to buy a car without traditional controls.
Claire Evans from What Car? emphasizes the importance of offering drivers multiple control options to reduce distractions while operating infotainment and air-conditioning systems. Systems like BMW’s iDrive, Renault’s OpenR, and Volvo’s Google Built-in are praised for providing easy access to frequently used functions.
However, a sluggish touchscreen or confusing menu layouts can make it challenging to operate the system while driving, leading to safety concerns. Matthew Avery, director of strategic development at Euro NCAP, warns that the widespread use of touchscreens in vehicles is increasing the risk of distracted driving accidents.
According to recent data from the Department for Transport, driver impairment caused 12,246 road accidents last year. Distractions contributed to 17% of all traffic accidents in 2022, up from 13% in 2013, highlighting the growing issue of touchscreens in cars.
Matthew Avery states that upcoming Euro NCAP tests in 2026 will encourage manufacturers to implement separate physical controls for basic functions in an intuitive manner, aiming to reduce distractions and promote safer driving habits.