Survey Reveals Widespread Concern Over Touchscreen Dashboard Safety
A comprehensive new survey has found that nearly half of UK drivers believe modern touchscreen dashboards create significant distractions compared to traditional physical controls. The research, conducted by car insurance specialists at Quotezone.co.uk, indicates growing safety concerns as automotive technology evolves rapidly.
Driver Distraction Statistics
The analysis reveals that 47% of surveyed motorists consider touchscreen interfaces more distracting than conventional buttons and switches. This concern is particularly relevant as touchscreens have become standard in new vehicles, with research showing 97% of cars released since 2023 feature central touchscreen displays.
According to the survey findings, one in three drivers (31%) already feel current car touchscreen systems are too large. Industry analysts predict this trend will continue, forecasting that average dashboard screen sizes will reach 10.6 inches by 2030, comparable to mid-sized tablet devices.
Global Safety Regulations
Safety authorities worldwide are responding to these concerns with new regulations. The European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP) began downgrading safety ratings in 2026 for vehicles lacking physical controls for essential functions including:
- Indicators and hazard lights
- Horn activation
- Windscreen wiper controls
- SOS emergency functions
Similar measures have been implemented by ANCAP Safety in Australia and New Zealand, with manufacturers being urged to "bring back buttons" for critical driver controls. China has followed this regulatory trend, requiring physical buttons for key vehicle functions from July 2026.
Research on Driver Performance
UK studies examining driver behavior with touch controls have validated these safety concerns. Research demonstrates that drivers using touchscreen systems experience significant difficulties with:
- Maintaining proper vehicle positioning
- Keeping consistent speeds
- Maintaining visual focus on the road
The studies found that drivers using touchscreen controls take their eyes off the road for longer periods than recommended by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration guidelines. Alarmingly, reaction times to hazards when using in-car music systems were found to be worse than those recorded during texting while driving.
Industry and Driver Responses
Many vehicle manufacturers already restrict certain touchscreen functions while vehicles are in motion. The Quotezone survey indicates strong public support for such measures, with 53% of motorists favoring restrictions on built-in music players and satellite navigation systems during driving.
Insurance providers are increasingly concerned about potential distractions, as they can elevate accident risks and subsequently affect insurance claims and premium calculations. A Quotezone spokesperson emphasized the seriousness of the issue, stating: "Using a mobile phone while driving is rightly banned due to the distraction it causes, but our survey shows that modern car touchscreens are becoming increasingly distracting."
The spokesperson further explained: "Drivers are now expected to adjust essential settings with a swipe or touch through menus and screens rather than simple buttons, which can take people's attention away from the road for longer than many realize. With touchscreens predicted to increase in size in coming years, and safety concerns gaining momentum globally, it's crucial to review this innovation and ensure safety remains the top priority."
The insurance expert concluded with a warning to motorists: "Distraction remains one of the main contributing factors to collisions on our roads. Drivers need to remain vigilant and ensure nothing inside or outside their vehicle diverts their attention from safe driving practices."
