British Drivers Prefer Physical Car Controls Over Touchscreens, Survey Finds

A significant majority of British drivers would prefer cars to retain physical buttons and dials for essential functions, according to a recent survey. The study, conducted by Scrap Car Comparison, found that 51 percent of the 1,000 UK drivers surveyed wish car manufacturers would move away from touchscreen-dominated controls.

The survey revealed that touchscreens are perceived as a source of distraction and a hindrance to performing basic tasks while driving. Entering a destination into a navigation system was identified as the most distracting touchscreen task, with 41 percent of drivers struggling with it. Other common difficulties included changing music (29 percent), answering or making calls (26 percent), and adjusting climate control settings (26 percent).

These distractions can have serious consequences, the survey suggests. Twenty-one percent of respondents reported swerving to correct their lane position, 13 percent experienced near-misses with other road users, and 11 percent were involved in minor collisions, with one in ten experiencing more serious accidents due to touchscreen use. Safety experts emphasize that relying on touchscreens for basic functions can lead to drivers looking away from the road for extended periods.

Beyond safety concerns, touchscreens are also influencing purchasing decisions. Forty-two percent of drivers have avoided buying or leasing a car specifically because its primary controls were only accessible via a touchscreen. An additional 25 percent chose a different car model or brand altogether for the same reason. This indicates a potential market demand for vehicles that balance modern technology with traditional, tactile controls.

Scrap Car Comparison advises drivers to hand off complex touchscreen tasks to a passenger when possible, or to defer them until the vehicle is stopped. The findings align with a broader trend and calls from some experts to re-evaluate the extensive integration of touchscreens in vehicle interiors, advocating for a return to physical controls that allow for quicker, less distracting operation of vehicle functions.