Story perspectives

New Vehicle Safety Rules: Buttons Return Amid Distracted Driving Concerns

1/15/2026

47 9

Summary

Story summary

ANCAP Safety will require physical controls for essential vehicle functions in new vehicles starting in 2026, prompting some manufacturers to reintroduce buttons.
Recent studies show touchscreen controls distract drivers as much as texting, increasing reaction times and impairing lane keeping.
Consumer surveys show drivers find infotainment systems frustrating, leading to numerous complaints.
Voice recognition is safer than touchscreens but still distracts drivers compared with driving without a secondary task.

1 of 1

Story summary

ANCAP Safety will require physical controls for essential vehicle functions in new vehicles starting in 2026, prompting some manufacturers to reintroduce buttons.
Recent studies show touchscreen controls distract drivers as much as texting, increasing reaction times and impairing lane keeping.
Consumer surveys show drivers find infotainment systems frustrating, leading to numerous complaints.
Voice recognition is safer than touchscreens but still distracts drivers compared with driving without a secondary task.