Almost half of motorists say touchscreen controls make driving more distracting, as safety specialists call for a return to physical switches and buttons.

The ever-larger touchscreens now common in modern vehicles may be increasing distraction behind the wheel, according to nearly half of UK drivers.

A new survey found that 47% of UK drivers believe touchscreen dashboards are more distracting than traditional physical buttons.

The research, carried out by car insurance specialists at Quotezone, comes as safety bodies in several regions of the world raise concerns about touchscreen-based controls in cars.

Touchscreens are now a standard feature in modern vehicles, with research indicating that 97% of new cars launched since 2023 included a central touchscreen.

Safety concerns over touchscreen controls

These concerns are not limited to drivers alone.

Independent vehicle safety organisations around the world have also questioned whether touchscreens are the safest method for operating key functions while driving.

From the start of 2026, the European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP) began lowering the safety ratings of cars that do not include physical buttons or switches for indicators, hazard lights, horns, windscreen wipers and the SOS function.

Comparable warnings have also come from ANCAP Safety, the independent vehicle safety assessment programme for Australia and New Zealand. It has urged carmakers to “bring back buttons” for important driver controls from 2026.

China is moving in the same direction as well, with new vehicles required to include physical buttons for essential functions from 1 July 2026.

Touchscreens can take your eyes off the road

The concerns highlighted in Quotezone’s survey are also backed by UK research into the way drivers interact with touchscreen systems.

The study found that drivers were notably affected when trying to control vehicle positioning and maintain a steady speed. It also showed they looked away from the road for longer than recommended under guidance from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Drivers’ reaction times to hazards also became slower when they used in-car systems to select music. The effect on reaction times was found to be worse than texting while driving.

Some cars already stop drivers from using certain touchscreen functions, including texting, while the vehicle is in motion.

There also appears to be public support for tighter limits. More than half (53%) of motorists surveyed said they would support restrictions on features such as built-in music players and sat nav systems.

Could touchscreen technology affect insurance?

The possibility that touchscreen technology may distract drivers is also becoming an issue for insurers.

Anything that raises the likelihood of a crash could eventually influence insurance claims and premiums.

Greg Wilson, car insurance expert and CEO at Quotezone, said: “Using a mobile phone while driving is rightly banned due to the distraction it causes, but our survey shows that modern car touchscreens are becoming increasingly distracting for motorists.

“Drivers are now expected to adjust essential settings with a swipe or touch through menus and screens rather than simple buttons, which can take people’s attention away from the road for longer than many realise.

“Touchscreens are predicted to increase in size in the next few years, but with safety concerns gaining momentum around the world, it’s time to review this innovation and make sure safety is the top priority.

“Distraction is one of the main contributing factors to collisions on our roads, drivers need to be wary and make sure they don’t let anything inside or outside the car distract their attention.”

Survey details

Quotezone’s findings are based on a randomised survey of 1,000 respondents across the UK during March 2026, representing a margin of error of approximately 5% at a 95% confidence level.