Europe is calling on car manufacturers to reconsider the design of their vehicle controls. The request is a response to concerns that touchscreens and digital systems, which have become increasingly popular in recent years, can be distracting for drivers.
The European Union’s New Car Assessment Program (NCAP), has been examining this issue and warned that automotive makers should comply by January 2026 in order to get five-star safety ratings. They suggest that physical buttons and knobs, which drivers can use without looking, might be a safer option than touchscreens. This approach would allow drivers to keep their eyes on the road while making adjustments to car settings.
The shift towards digital controls in vehicles has been significant, with many modern cars featuring large touchscreens that control everything from the radio to the air conditioning. However, this trend has raised safety questions. There’s evidence to suggest that these high-tech systems can take a driver’s attention away from driving more than traditional controls do.
A study by AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety in the United States found that programming a navigation system or sending a text message using touch-based controls can be particularly distracting. These tasks can cause drivers to take their eyes off the road for extended periods, increasing the risk of accidents.
In response to these findings, the European Commission is contemplating new regulations that would make car interiors safer. The goal is to encourage automakers to design vehicles that minimize distractions and allow drivers to operate essential features without compromising their focus on driving.
If the European Commission moves forward with new rules, carmakers will need to balance the demand for modern, tech-heavy vehicles with the need to prioritize driver attention and road safety. This could lead to a resurgence of physical controls like buttons and knobs in future car models, as the industry seeks to meet regulatory requirements while still appealing to consumers who expect cutting-edge technology in their vehicles.