European crash tester says carmakers must bring back physical controls (arstechnica.com)

Article summary

The European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP) plans to deduct points from cars that do not have physical controls for certain functions, such as turn signals and windshield wipers, starting in 2026. This move aims to reduce driver distraction and promote safer driving. The organization believes that the overuse of touchscreens for these functions can lead to accidents. Car manufacturers, including Tesla, may need to redesign their control systems to meet the new requirements.

Main themes

• Car safety
• Touchscreen controls
• Physical controls
• Driver distraction
• Automotive design
• Regulatory standards

What commenters say

• Physical controls for basic functions are essential for safe driving and should be mandatory.
• Voice controls are not a reliable or safe alternative to physical controls, especially in emergency situations.
• The use of touchscreens for critical functions can be distracting and increase the risk of accidents.
• Some drivers prefer voice controls or touchscreens and find physical controls to be outdated or unnecessary.
• The lack of standardization in car control systems can lead to confusion and accidents, especially for drivers who are not familiar with a particular vehicle.
• Car manufacturers should prioritize accessibility and usability in their design, including providing physical controls for drivers with disabilities or language barriers.
• The effectiveness of voice controls can be limited by factors such as accents, language barriers, and background noise.
• A combination of physical controls and voice commands or touchscreens could provide the best balance between safety, convenience, and accessibility.