- EuroNCAP will grant high car safety scores with buttons
- Modern touch screens have proven distracting drivers
- But as cars become more complex, the digital looks like the logical path to follow
There has been a new call from both industry and drivers to reduce the amount of distraction found in many modern cars. A large number requires more physical switches and easy -to -reach buttons to replace touch screens and illogical menu systems.
EuroNCAP, possibly the leading vehicle security organization in Europe, has declared that “will” encourage “manufacturers that provide an easy tactile appearance to locate for central functionality.
This will mean that manufacturers may not be able to achieve the coveted five -star security rating unless they meet these criteria.
Ironically, the decision comes from the same security body that made it mandatory for manufacturers to provide a large number of active security systems in case they want to obtain the best grades. For many at least (including this writer), these are more an obstacles than an aid.
The endless bonging of a speed limit alert system, the erratic actions of automatic lane assistance technology and the ‘ghost braking’ incidents when a camera system incorporates a non -existent danger ahead are the entire range of the life of a modern car. But it was Euroncap that actively encouraged such solutions in search of safer roads.
The Head of Dacia, Denis Le Vot, who has had to withstand the lowest EuroCap security scores than the average because their cut -off products cannot afford such systems, understands that they are essential for the public perception of security, but knows that the vast majority of their customers turn them off.
Then, the Renault group as a whole has introduced a button that exactly does that … with a long pressure.
But the director of Strategic Development of Euronp, Matthew Avery, wants to make Tackle the sticky problem of the touch screens and told Wired that the main manufacturers are “in warning.” “They have to bring buttons,” he added.
A sensible movement, since there has been a growing trend between car manufacturers to bury the functionality of the central car under layers of touch screen menus.
Call the “Tesla effect”, but having to touch multiple icons to access the fog lights, upload the heating or adjust the lateral mirrors is exaggerated, not to mention the distraction. Do not make me start opening a modern gloveard.
The same wiring article pays reference to a study conducted by the British consultant TRL, which concluded that the infonthenation systems affect the reaction times behind the steering wheel than the use of alcohol and narcotics.
Driving is hard work, requires skill and great concentration, even if we believe we can do it with closed eyes.
The manufacturers will become lyrical about the ability of their AI voice assistants to help with many functions, with everyone, from VW to Mercedes-Benz innovating in that area. But real world tests reveal that they do not always work and most of the time, the whole process takes more time and more brain power than depending on muscle memory to boost a switch.
Not everyone has the memo
While many manufacturers have heard customer comments and have promised more physical buttons (VW is a good example), several others are further pressing in touch screen territory.
Many new electric vehicles that come from China seem to have “borrowed” from the Information and Entertainment Manual of wholesale and most compromises everything to menus and submenus.
Mercedes-Benz has essentially introduced IMAX in its vehicles with the next Superscen system that will be debuted in the CLA.
Similarly, BMW revealed an update of its fantastically tactile idrive system that will soon be based largely on the screen, changing the remaining physical buttons for annoying haptic surfaces in the steering wheel.
In the United States, Chevrolet has just revealed a completely new interior for the iconic Corvette, which is now full of screens. Although its original button design was enormously exaggerated.
As modern cars designer, it is not easy to balance a clean, elegant and architectural interior with something that is safe and easy to use: the default value is to eliminate the greatest possible disorder, including the useful appearance.
But it seems that the public has spoken and, finally, essential items such as windshield wiper, lights, indicators, horn and risk warning lights will be analyzed by the leading vehicle security organization in Europe.
However, with automotive manufacturers who already observe a time when we will all be driven in totally autonomous pods, the return of the physical buttons will not be for a long time.
