... The consequences are measurable and severe: studies now show touchscreen vehicles require up to four times longer to perform basic functions than their button-equipped counterparts, creating a distracted driving crisis that automakers refuse to acknowledge.
A Swedish car magazine, Vi Bilgare, conducted a study comparing how long it takes drivers to perform basic tasks like adjusting climate controls or changing the radio station using touchscreens versus traditional physical buttons. The results showed that in the worst-performing modern car, it took drivers up to four times longer to complete these tasks compared to an older vehicle with physical controls. ...
Even after allowing drivers time to familiarize themselves with each system, touchscreen-equipped cars consistently required more time and attention, which could translate into increased distraction and reduced safety on the road.
So while not every touchscreen system is equally inefficient, the general trend supports the idea that physical buttons are quicker and less distracting to use.
The psychology behind this dangerous trend reveals an uncomfortable truth about today's automotive industry. Car manufacturers aren't prioritizing safety or usability - they're chasing cost savings and tech bro aesthetics at the expense of driver attention.
Physical buttons, switches, and knobs require expensive tooling, individual wiring, and mechanical engineering. A single touchscreen replaces dozens of these components while creating the illusion of cutting-edge sophistication. The result is a generation of vehicles where adjusting the air conditioning or changing the radio station now requires the same focused attention as sending a text message. ...
