Euro NCAP wants carmakers to bring back physical buttons

New Euro NCAP tests due in 2026 will encourage manufacturers to use physical controls for basic functions

According to reports, the European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP) wants carmakers to change the way certain basic features in the vehicle are controlled in 2026.

Reports suggest that the automotive safety organisation feels that the vehicle manufacturers are over-reliant on central touchscreens to control almost every feature. This according to the Euro NCAP raises the risk of distraction as it obliges drivers to take their eyes off the road.

Hence, the European Automotive Safety Organisation wants to encourage carmakers to bring back physical buttons. Euro NCAP though, isn't insisting on having a separate switch for every single feature, but to see physical buttons for at least some basic functions. These include turn signal indicators, hazard lights, windshield wipers, horns and a few other SOS features. These, according to Euro NCAP should at least help limit driver's eyes off-road time, thereby improving safety.

Mathew Avery, Director of Strategic Development, Euro NCAP, stated, "The overuse of touchscreens is an industry-wide problem, with almost every vehicle-maker moving key controls onto central touchscreens, obliging drivers to take their eyes off the road and raising the risk of distraction crashes." He further added, "New Euro NCAP tests due in 2026 will encourage manufacturers to use separate, physical controls for basic functions in an intuitive manner, limiting eyes-off-road time and therefore promoting safer driving."

Reports also state that while the Euro NCAP doesn't have the power to mandate carmakers to use physical buttons, a five-star safety rating is surely a strong selling point.

Source: ARSTechnica

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