Sometimes our urge to use the latest technology can backfire when it is not thoroughly considered and tested. Using a touch screen instead of the usual physical controls on our vehicle's dash has turned out to be a bad idea. Regulators will require buttons to get top safety ratings starting in 2026.
Moving key vehicle controls from the dash to a touch screen requires drivers to take their eyes off the road in order to make a choice. This increases the risk of a distracted driving crash.
Lack of Physical Controls a Mistake
Volkswagen's design chief says that removing physical controls for hazard flashers, sound systems and interior environment and moving them to the touch screen was a mistake. Negative customer feedback resulted in the decision to move them back to the dash.
Euro NCAP
The European New Car Assessment Program has announced that effective on January 1, 2026 vehicles will not be able to earn a five star safety rating unless physical controls for basic functions are intuitive to use and limit the time a driver's eyes are off the road.
These basic functions include turn signals, hazard flashers, horn, windshield wipers and the eCall SOS.
Transport Canada
Transport Canada announced guidelines to limit distraction from visual displays in vehicles in February, 2019:
These guidelines apply to visual displays that drivers may use while their vehicle is in motion. In some instances, the guidelines recommend that interactions be locked out entirely while the vehicle is moving. In other cases it recommends that interactions and tasks be controlled or modified in a way that reduces distraction. Essential and commonly used controls and displays should be directly accessible to the driver.
Learn More
- Volkswagen to Reintroduce Physical Buttons
- European NCAP to Require Physical Buttons for 5 Star Ratings
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