Touchscreens: Large touchscreens will be phased out of cars, and button-based systems will make a comeback. Find out why..

In recent years, cars have become significantly more advanced in terms of features. Old-fashioned buttons are disappearing from dashboards, replaced by large touchscreens. Sitting inside a car today feels like being in a movie theater. In expensive cars, almost all features are now operated via touchscreens. But this modernity is now putting car drivers' lives at risk.

ANCAP Safety, an independent agency in Australia and New Zealand, has made a major announcement. From 2026, they are requiring car companies to bring back 'physical buttons' for essential features like headlights and wipers, instead of relying on touchscreens. Similar demands are also being raised in Europe. Cars will now receive safety ratings not only based on crash tests, but also on how safe their design is during driving.

Why are touchscreens dangerous?

Any kind of distraction while driving is the biggest cause of accidents. Research shows that using a touchscreen is as dangerous as typing a message on a mobile phone. Agencies believe that large screens in cars are increasing distractions while driving. You have to repeatedly look at the screen to find the correct menu. Controlling small sliders on the touchscreen requires taking your hands off the steering wheel. Getting lost in the complex menus of the screen diverts the driver's attention from driving.

In contrast, old-fashioned physical buttons or knobs can be operated without looking. Your brain remembers the location of the physical buttons, and your hands automatically go there. This allows you to control the AC or music while keeping your eyes on the road.

What do the scientific statistics say?

According to research conducted in the UK, a driver's reaction time increases significantly when using a touchscreen. This means that if a sudden hazard appears, a driver using a touchscreen will take longer to apply the brakes, which can be fatal.

Furthermore, a survey of 92,000 car owners in the US revealed that people are most frustrated with their car's touchscreen infotainment system. People are annoyed that even for simple tasks like turning on the lights or adjusting the temperature, they have to swipe their fingers across a screen multiple times.

Is voice control the solution?

Many companies claim you can control the car by voice commands. But research suggests this isn't entirely safe either. Even if your eyes are on the road, talking to the system distracts your mind from driving, slowing down your reaction time.

Buttons might be making a comeback.

Now, times are changing. Car experts believe that buttons are best for frequently used features like temperature, fan speed, volume, and wipers. Touchscreens should only be used for secondary functions, such as navigation or music selection, and only when the car is stopped.

The good news is that major companies like Volkswagen and Hyundai are starting to bring back buttons and knobs in their new cars, due to customer demand and safety regulations.

Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from Amar Ujala. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.