Why Physical Buttons Beat Touchscreens in Cars: A Safety Perspective

In recent years, the trend of moving controls from physical buttons to touchscreens has left many car enthusiasts, including myself, feeling frustrated and concerned. The reliance on touchscreens for essential functions in vehicles has raised safety issues and prompted discussions about the need for a change.

Euro NCAP, a leading car safety rating organization, has taken a stand on this issue by announcing that starting in 2026, only cars with physical controls for key features will receive a five-star rating. This decision means that indicators, windscreen wipers, hazard lights, horn, and SOS functions must have buttons, stalks, or dials to qualify for the highest safety rating.

The move by Euro NCAP is a step in the right direction, but some believe that the list of required physical controls should be more comprehensive. Having immediate access to essential functions like indicators and wipers without having to navigate through touchscreens is crucial for driver safety.

While only a few car manufacturers have made the shift towards touchscreens for wiper controls, Tesla stands out with its decision to place indicator buttons on a smooth, unfeelable surface on the steering wheel of the Tesla Model 3. This design choice has sparked controversy and raised concerns about the safety implications of such a setup.

The Volvo EX30 is another example of a car that lacks physical controls for important functions like door mirrors, wiper sensitivity, climate control, lights, and driver assistance systems. Despite these shortcomings, the Volvo EX30 could still qualify for a five-star Euro NCAP rating under the current guidelines.

It’s time for car manufacturers to prioritize safety over cost-cutting measures by reverting to physical controls for essential functions. The convenience of touchscreens should not come at the expense of driver safety. As Edmund King, president of the AA, aptly put it, it’s important to acknowledge when progress is not necessarily an improvement.

In conclusion, while advancements in car technology have brought many benefits, the removal of physical buttons and dials in favor of touchscreens poses safety risks that cannot be ignored. It’s time for a collective effort to prioritize safety in car design and ensure that essential functions are easily accessible to drivers.