Opinion: Euro NCAP Says Buttons Over Screens But We’re Still Furious

We have been shouting from the treetops, and it feels like someone finally heard us. The Euro NCAP recently announced that it will only award a five-star safety rating to cars that retain physical controls for key features. So, if you were among those wondering, ‘Is it just me?’ No, you weren’t alone.

According to the influential car safety organisation, a car must have buttons, stalks, or dials for essential functions, including indicators, windscreen wipers, hazard warning lights, horn, and SOS function. While the criteria seem quite comprehensive, the list isn’t as exhaustive as we would like.

Why Tesla and Others Need to Get it Together

We saw what Tesla did with the Model 3, placing indicators on smooth, unfeelable, and moving buttons on the steering wheel. And we’re talking about a car that has no stalks at all! However, Tesla is not the only manufacturer in the spotlight. The Volvo EX30, for instance, lacks physical controls for its door mirrors, wiper sensitivity, climate control, lights, or driver assistance systems. It still received a 5-star safety rating, which is quite infuriating.

Edmund King, the President of the AA, said in one of his recent blogs, “I’ve tried not to be a Luddite,” and we agree. At 27, I don’t want to be the grumpy old man who resents all things tech. Mind you, we are not saying modern cars are bad. They are generally better than they used to be, but eliminating buttons and stalks for basic functionality doesn’t exactly align with being called modern. It’s just cost-saving, and everyone needs to admit it.

Research Proves It

For those who have read this far and are wondering if this is just another rant, know that this is not just me complaining over a pint of beer. A research by the American Automobile Association suggests that large screens in cars could actually be dangerous, considering the insane amounts of distraction involved. So, there’s scientific evidence supporting the same concerns.

The solution for this issue is simple and doesn’t reside in more advanced tech, like voice control. The solution is simply to put buttons back in cars. Mazda North America agrees. Its lead engineer, Matthew Valbuena, speaking to the Sunday Times, highlighted their research, which found that when a driver reaches towards a touchscreen, there is unintentional torque applied to the steering wheel, which might cause the vehicle to drift out of its lane. To address this, Mazda is among the handful of manufacturers that have deployed a tactile click-wheel located between the front seats, which, in my opinion, is more intuitive and doesn’t require the active involvement of the driver.

Summary

The Euro NCAP’s recent policy requires cars to feature physical controls for essential functions to achieve a five-star safety rating, challenging the current trend of touchscreens, exemplified by Tesla’s Model 3 and Volvo’s EX30. Highlighting safety concerns, including distracted driving due to screen reliance, it advocates for a return to tactile controls. Citing research and voices from the industry, such as Mazda North America, the dangers associated with touchscreens are as bright as day. This stance isn’t about resisting technology but about prioritizing driver safety and control.