As per a report from ARSTechnica, EuroNCAP, automotive safety testing organization, OEMs rely too heavily on central touchscreens for controlling nearly all features. This increases distraction risk, as it forces drivers to divert their attention from the road. Engaging with touchscreen systems while driving can lead to prolonged distraction, diverting the driver’s focus from the road and heightening the likelihood of accidents.
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This mounting safety concern is now on course to finding its way into car crash testing protocols. The European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP) has hinted about controlled adjustments by 2026.
According to Matthew Avery, Euro NCAP’s director of strategy, the forthcoming Euro NCAP assessments in 2026 will incentivize manufacturers to adopt separate, physical controls for fundamental functions in a user-friendly manner. This approach aims to minimize the duration of eyes-off-road time, thereby promoting safer driving habits.
As the Euro NCAP is not a government-run organization, therefore it cannot enforce the use of physical controls for essential functions. However, achieving a five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP holds significant sway in the market, serving as a compelling selling point for manufacturers. Recently, Chinese EV manufacturer BYD launched the Seal electric saloon in India and has been promoting its safety standards, backed by a 5-star rating from EuroNCAP.
What do you think about the rising popularity of touchscreen functionalities? If you think that physical button-operated functions should make a return to the passenger vehicle markets including India, do let us know in the comment section below.
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