New cars in Europe will have to replace digital screens with 90s-style buttons

The European New Car Assessment Programme, Euro NCAP, will favor in its ratings from 2026 vehicles that have physical buttons, in the style of the 90s, instead of touch screens.

As is known, cars have been modernized, following the pace of technological advances. Touch screens are the norm in current models. However, Euro NCAP focuses on road safety and reducing accidents due to drivers being distracted by having to take their eyes off the road to activate a required function on the touch panel.

In this sense, from 2026, cars must have physical control buttons for at least five specific functions: turn signals, hazard warning lights, horn, windshield wipers and the emergency call system (eCall).

According to the independent European body, “this change responds to growing concerns about the impact of touch screens on road safety, because according to several experts, their excessive use forces drivers to divert their attention from the road.”

This was stressed by Matthew Avery, Director of Strategic Development at Euro NCAP, who indicated that the new tests are aimed at reducing distractions while driving, since “the excessive use of touch screens is a problem” because drivers are forced to take their eyes off the road, which increases “the risk of accidents related to distractions”.

M.Pino

Source: infobae

(Reference image source: Nabeel Syed on Unsplash)

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