Throughout the automotive spectrum from BMW to Subaru, functions that were once controlled by a physical knob or buttons have been replaced with touchscreen functions in newer iterations of bestselling models — which can be a hazard if adjustments need to be made while on the move.
“The overuse of touchscreens is an industry-wide problem, with almost every vehicle-maker moving key controls onto central touchscreens, obliging drivers to take their eyes off the road and raising the risk of distraction crashes,” Euro NCAP strategic development director Matthew Avery said. “New Euro NCAP tests due in 2026 will encourage manufacturers to use separate, physical controls for basic functions in an intuitive manner, limiting eyes-off-road time and therefore promoting safer driving.”
