Are Car Touch Screens Putting Our Life at Risk?

Unmasking the Risks: How Car Touch Screens Endanger Lives and the Revolt to Bring Back Buttons.

As an avid observer of road safety concerns in the United States, it’s disheartening to witness the lack of positive news in this domain. While other peer countries have seen improvements, American roadway deaths surged during the pandemic and have shown minimal signs of decline. Recent data reveals that pedestrian and cyclist fatalities have reached their highest levels in four decades, yet U.S. transportation officials continue to disregard crucial contributing factors. It’s concerning that Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg stated in a February interview that “further research” is necessary before addressing the apparent risks posed by oversized SUVs and trucks to individuals outside these vehicles.

However, amidst this disheartening landscape, there is a glimmer of hope. Many automakers are starting to distance themselves from the pervasive presence of giant, complex touch screens that have dominated dashboard designs over the past 15 years. Buttons and knobs are making a comeback.

The Backlash Against Touch Screens

This retreat from touch screens can be attributed to the relentless consumer backlash, rather than the implementation of long-overdue regulations or a newfound sense of corporate responsibility. Many drivers are demanding buttons, not screens, and they’ve made their discontent known to car manufacturers. For years, auto executives dismissed safety concerns about these complex displays, showing a willingness to overlook the dangers they posed. However, the revolt from their customers has forced them to finally pay attention.

The Danger of Touch Screens

For more than a decade, touch screens have spread like wildfire across car dashboards. Similar to other hazardous design trends (cue the steering yoke), this one can be traced back to Tesla, which has positioned its vehicles as “tablets on wheels.” Consequently, touch screens were heralded as symbols of tech-infused modernity. However, cost has also played a significant role in their proliferation. Despite their fancy appearance, car manufacturers can acquire screens for less than $50, making them a much cheaper…