Touchscreens VS Physical Buttons

Which is Safer for Your Car Interface?

Recently, I purchased a new vehicle and have found myself drawn to the touchscreen interface's seemingly endless features. Whether I'm changing the radio station or adjusting the climate controls, my eyes are frequently wandering to the screen. Recently, this shift in attention caused me to miss an exit, urging me to re-evaluate my touchscreen usage. It prompts the question: is a touchscreen interface safer than physical buttons?

Studies have shown that physical buttons outperform touchscreens in most safety-based driving situations. Drivers take longer to complete touchscreen tasks and are more likely to make errors when using them. One study found that drivers took an average of 4.6 seconds to complete a touchscreen task, compared to 1.4 seconds for a physical button task. Another study found that voice-based and touchscreen technology caused drivers to take their hands, eyes, and minds off the road for more than 24 seconds to complete the task.

Why is this concerning? According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, taking your eyes off the road for just two seconds doubles a driver’s risk of a crash.

If you have a touchscreen vehicle like mine, don’t fret. For every problem, there are endless solutions, so let's explore some together:

• Familiarize yourself with the key touchscreen locations and sensitivities that you frequently use in your vehicle. This knowledge will help you navigate the interface more intuitively, reducing the need for extended visual attention.
• Take advantage of preconfigured settings to minimize the need for interaction while driving. Set up radio stations, climate controls, and other frequently used functions beforehand, ensuring quick and convenient access without diverting attention from the road.
• Unless it's an emergency, avoid using the touchscreen while the vehicle is in motion. Plan your interactions with the interface during stops or when parked to maintain focus on the primary task of driving.
• One of the benefits of newer vehicles is the steering assistance controls. Use these convenient buttons to manage audio controls, phone functions, and other essential features without taking your hands off the wheel or your eyes off the road.