Why touch controls can be dangerous in the car

The presence of touchscreens in cars can pose safety problems. — AFP Relaxnews

Euro NCAP, an organisation renowned for its expertise in automotive safety, has announced that from 2026 its ratings will penalise models offering touch-sensitive controls for such essential functions as turn signals, windshield wipers and hazard warning lights. The idea is for automakers to favor physical buttons over touch controls, which are deemed more distracting and therefore more dangerous.

Excessive use of haptic buttons on the steering wheel and touchscreens in car cabins can pose safety problems. Today, many automakers have moved key controls to central touch screens, forcing drivers to take their eyes off the road and thus increasing the risk of distraction-related accidents.