From large touchscreen dashboards to hidden electronic door handles, modern cars are becoming increasingly complex. While these features may look sleek and futuristic, safety experts are warning that they could be making driving more dangerous.
A growing body of research suggests that high-tech in-car systems are increasing driver distraction, slowing reaction times, and in some cases even trapping occupants inside vehicles after collisions. The warning has prompted calls for manufacturers to take a “back to basics” approach to car design.
Touchscreens under fire
Touchscreen infotainment systems, now fitted as standard in most new cars, are a particular concern. Unlike physical buttons or dials, touchscreens require drivers to look away from the road, increasing visual, manual and cognitive distraction at the same time.
Professor Milad Haghani, a transport safety expert at the University of Melbourne, warns that touchscreen interactions often demand longer glances than are considered safe.
He said that prolonged glance durations can be the difference between spotting a hazard in time and being involved in a collision.
Research backs this up. Studies have shown that reaction times can worsen by more than 50% when drivers interact with touchscreens, a greater impact than texting or taking a phone call. Simulated motorway tests have also found that drivers using touch-only systems travel several extra car lengths before braking.
Drivers admit mistakes behind the wheel
UK research suggests drivers themselves are increasingly aware of the problem. An RAC survey found that nearly a quarter of drivers who had been involved in a collision said touchscreen systems were a contributing distraction.
Another 2024 study revealed that 26% of drivers admitted to making a mistake while interacting with an in-car touchscreen. Tasks such as adjusting heating, navigation or audio settings were among the most commonly cited issues.
The data highlights a clear mismatch between what drivers perceive as distracting and what actually leads to errors on the road.
Hidden door handles raise escape fears
Concerns extend beyond distraction. Hidden or pop-out electronic door handles, popularised by electric vehicles, have come under scrutiny after fears they may fail in a crash.
Unlike traditional mechanical levers, many of these designs rely on electronic systems. If a collision damages wiring or cuts power, doors may not open. While most vehicles include a manual backup release, these are often hidden or difficult to locate quickly.
China has announced a ban on hidden door handles in new cars from January 2027, following fatal crashes where occupants were reportedly unable to exit vehicles after power failures. Regulators in the US and Europe are now considering similar action.
Calls to bring back buttons
Safety experts argue that the solution is simple. Essential driving functions such as lights, wipers, demisters and temperature controls should be operated using physical switches that can be used by feel, without looking.
When researchers assess distraction, they break it down into visual, manual and cognitive elements. Touchscreens combine all three. Physical buttons largely involve only manual interaction, making them significantly safer.
Euro NCAP has already signalled a shift in this direction, stating that cars will only achieve a five-star safety rating if they retain physical controls for key functions. Similar guidance is being introduced by safety assessment bodies in Australia and New Zealand from 2026.
A shift in consumer expectations?
There is also evidence that drivers are losing patience with overly complex systems. Surveys show that many motorists find “all-in-one” screens frustrating to use and believe they negatively affect their driving.
As manufacturers respond to regulatory pressure and consumer feedback, some are beginning to reintroduce physical controls. Safety groups hope this marks a wider move towards simpler, more intuitive vehicle interiors.
Sourced via: Daily Mail
One Response
Boy is this article true, recent example a friend of mine came to visit me from another state and decided to rent a car to save wear and tear on his own,
I live in a state of narrow, curvy roads,
Every time the alarms and flashing warning lights would go off because the car was deciding. He was too far to the left too far to the right, breaking too fast going too fast following too close was so distracting to him because naturally when you hear those noises and see those flashing lights you automatically look at the dash to make sure it’s not a mechanical issue,
He is a very skilled driver, but distractions were taking his eyes off the road,
Not to mention, having to look down to use the touchscreen, that was extremely complicated and confusing?
I have drove for professionally for years and I am also a motorcycle enthusiast and things are way more dangerous, especially for a motorcyclist thanks to all the distracted drivers on the road because of a high tech that’s supposed to make things safer not to mention all the fools reading and writing text messages and even surfing the web while they’re driving,
Another issues is not having to take a written or behind the wheel drivers test to make sure you’re safe knowledgeable driver,
it’s been so many years since I’ve had to take a written and behind the wheel test with the exception of my employer that requires their own every year I don’t know if they even require it anymore?
I not only think they should require it at least every couple of years it should be upgraded to classes to sharpen driver skills not to mention update you on any changes in driving laws that are always changing.