The Dashboard Danger: Why Your Car's Touchscreen Poses Greater Risks Than Your Smartphone

Every driver knows the dangers of texting behind the wheel, but there's a hidden hazard sitting right in your dashboard that might be even more perilous. While we've spent years learning about the risks of smartphone use while driving, automotive touchscreens—now standard in most new vehicles—are creating a new category of distracted driving that researchers say could be more dangerous than the phones we're told to put away.

The Touchscreen Takeover

Modern vehicles have transformed into rolling computer centers, with touchscreens now controlling everything from climate settings to radio volume. What once required a simple twist of a knob now demands multiple taps, swipes, and menu navigation. The average new car's infotainment system contains more computing power than the Apollo spacecraft, yet we're expected to operate these complex interfaces while hurtling down highways at 70 mph.

Unlike smartphones, which drivers can theoretically ignore or silence, car touchscreens control essential vehicle functions. Need to adjust the temperature? That's no longer a quick reach for a physical dial—it's a multi-step process requiring visual attention and fine motor control.

A comprehensive study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that interacting with in-vehicle touchscreens takes drivers' eyes off the road for an average of 40 seconds when performing complex tasks like entering navigation destinations. To put this in perspective, at 60 mph, this means driving the length of four football fields essentially blind.

The University of Utah's research comparing various forms of driver distraction found that automotive touchscreens created higher levels of cognitive distraction than hands-free phone conversations. Dr. David Strayer, the study's lead researcher, noted that drivers using in-vehicle touchscreens showed delayed reaction times similar to those with a blood alcohol content of 0.08%—the legal limit for intoxication.

Tesla owners have reported particular challenges with the Model 3's touchscreen-only interface, which requires multiple menu interactions to access the glove compartment or adjust mirrors—functions that traditionally used physical controls requiring no visual attention.

Why Touchscreens Are More Dangerous

Mandatory Interaction

Unlike smartphones, which drivers can choose to ignore, touchscreens control essential vehicle functions. Adjusting air conditioning, changing radio stations, or accessing navigation requires interaction with these systems.

Complex User Interfaces

Automotive touchscreens often feature poorly designed interfaces with small buttons, nested menus, and inconsistent layouts. Many require multiple touches to complete simple tasks that once required a single button press.

False Sense of Safety

Because touchscreens are built into vehicles, drivers perceive them as safer alternatives to phones. This psychological bias leads to more frequent and prolonged interactions while driving.

Lack of Tactile Feedback

Physical buttons and knobs provide tactile feedback, allowing drivers to operate controls without looking. Touchscreens require visual confirmation for nearly every interaction.

The Industry's Response

Some automakers are beginning to recognize these issues. BMW faced significant customer backlash after removing physical controls in favor of touchscreen-only interfaces and has since reintroduced traditional buttons and knobs in newer models. Mazda has gone further, disabling touchscreen functionality while the vehicle is in motion, forcing drivers to use rotary controllers and physical buttons instead.

However, many manufacturers continue prioritizing aesthetic appeal and cost savings over safety, viewing large touchscreens as premium features that justify higher prices.

Taking Control of Dashboard Distraction

While waiting for industry-wide changes, drivers can take immediate steps to reduce touchscreen-related risks:

  • Set up systems before driving: Program navigation, adjust climate controls, and select music before putting the car in drive
  • Use voice commands: Most systems offer voice control for common functions
  • Pull over for complex tasks: If you must interact extensively with the touchscreen, find a safe place to stop
  • Consider aftermarket solutions: Physical button overlays and voice-activated assistants can reduce touchscreen dependence

The Road Ahead

As vehicles become increasingly digital, the automotive industry must prioritize driver safety over flashy interfaces. The solution isn't abandoning technology but designing it thoughtfully—combining the convenience of digital systems with the safety of physical controls.

Until manufacturers universally adopt safer design principles, drivers must recognize that their car's touchscreen isn't just another gadget—it's a potential hazard that demands the same caution we've learned to apply to smartphone use. The most advanced safety feature in any vehicle remains an alert, undistracted driver.

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