- By Divanshi Sharma
- Wed, 06 Mar 2024 02:49 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Technological advancements in contemporary vehicles and cars are being incorporated at a rapid pace. We have been observing significant growth when it comes to utlising new-age technology in new vehicles. Some of these new technologies include features such as ADAS, cruise control, smartphone connectivity, keyless entry, 360-degree view cameras and many more. Another common feature that is now seen in most vehicles is touchscreen infotainment systems. Touchscreen infotainment systems are becoming increasingly popular in modern cars as they offer a sleek look and easy-to-use features. However, there is a major concern arising about touchscreen infotainment systems that impact the driver’s attention while driving.
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According to a report from ARSTechnica, EuroNCAP, a car safety testing organisation, believes that car manufacturers rely too much on central touchscreens for controlling various features. This reliance increases the risk of distraction for drivers, as using touchscreen systems requires them to take their eyes off the road. This distraction can lead to accidents, as it diverts the driver's focus away from driving.
To address this safety concern, Euro NCAP is considering making changes to its car crash testing protocols by 2026. The organisation's director of strategy, Matthew Avery, has stated that the upcoming Euro NCAP assessments will encourage manufacturers to incorporate separate physical controls for essential functions in a user-friendly way. This approach aims to reduce the amount of time drivers spend looking away from the road, promoting safer driving habits.
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While Euro NCAP cannot enforce the use of physical controls for essential functions, achieving a five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP is highly valued in the market and can be a significant selling point for manufacturers. For example, Chinese EV manufacturer BYD has recently launched the Seal electric sedan in India. BYD is promoting the sedan’s safety standards and highlighting its 5-star Euro NCAP rating.