Survey Reveals Widespread Concerns Over Touchscreen Dashboard Safety
A comprehensive new survey has uncovered significant safety concerns among UK motorists regarding modern vehicle technology. According to research conducted by car insurance specialists at Quotezone, almost half of drivers – specifically 47 per cent – believe that touchscreen dashboards create more distractions compared to traditional physical buttons and switches.
The Rise of Touchscreen Technology in Modern Vehicles
Touchscreen interfaces have become increasingly prevalent in contemporary automobiles, with research indicating that 97% of new cars released since 2023 feature a central touchscreen display. This technological shift represents a fundamental change in how drivers interact with their vehicles' controls and systems.
Industry analysts project that dashboard screens will continue to grow in size, with predictions suggesting the average vehicle dashboard will reach 10.6 inches by 2030 – comparable to most mid-sized tablet devices. The Quotezone survey reveals that one in three drivers (31 per cent) already consider current touchscreens too large, suggesting future size increases may face significant resistance from motorists.
Global Safety Authorities Take Action
Safety concerns surrounding touchscreen technology have prompted regulatory action from independent car safety organizations worldwide. The European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP) began downgrading safety ratings in 2026 for vehicles lacking physical controls for essential functions including indicators, hazard lights, horns, windscreen wipers, and SOS features.
Similar measures have been implemented by ANCAP Safety, the independent assessment program for Australia and New Zealand, which has called on manufacturers to "bring back buttons" for crucial driver controls. China has followed this trend, mandating that new vehicles include physical buttons for key functions starting July 1, 2026.
Expert Commentary on Distraction Risks
Greg Wilson, car insurance expert and CEO at Quotezone, emphasized the growing safety implications: "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."
Wilson 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 realise. Touchscreens are predicted to increase in size in the next few years, but with safety concerns gaining momentum around the world, it's time to review this innovation and make sure safety is the top priority."
The insurance expert concluded with a warning to motorists: "Distraction is one of the main contributing factors to collisions on our roads. Drivers need to be wary and make sure they don't let anything inside or outside the car distract their attention."
Supporting Research and Future Implications
Quotezone's survey findings regarding driver distraction align with separate UK studies examining the use of touch controls in vehicles. These collective research efforts highlight a growing consensus among safety experts that touchscreen interfaces may compromise driver focus and reaction times.
As automotive technology continues to evolve, the tension between innovation and safety remains a critical consideration for manufacturers, regulators, and consumers alike. The global regulatory response suggests a potential shift toward hybrid interfaces that combine touchscreen convenience with physical controls for essential safety functions.
