New cars contain more and more technology and functions. The functions are i) safety-related, ii) comfort-oriented and iii) infotainment-oriented. Several of these functions have been added to screens that are controlled via screen touch, voice control, buttons on the steering wheel and “wheels”. The screens are normally connected to the internet, and are continuously updated – for example with traffic reports. The driver can also connect his mobile phone to the car/screen and thus receive text messages etc.
Recently, it has been claimed that the new screens steal attention from the driver, who thus becomes less aware of the traffic picture. This can affect road safety.
The Road Safety Association and Gjensidige carry out annual surveys about the problem, and in 2021 motorists will answer the following:
Half of the drivers have experienced that interactive screens steal attention while driving
30 per cent of the male and 21 per cent of the female drivers have experienced that this has led to unpleasant or dangerous situations.
About 100,000 drivers have experienced traffic accidents due to screen use
Three percent of all accidents can be linked to screen use.
The figures from Norway are also found in international surveys, i.a. from Sweden and Germany. International research shows that old-fashioned function buttons on the dashboard can be safer than touch screens, but also that where the screens are placed in the passenger compartment is of great importance. Furthermore, physical buttons will not provide the same opportunities for updates and there are not enough buttons for all functions in modern cars.
What seems clear is that the less the driver has to shift his gaze to see the screen, the better. It may be better to use voice control/voice messages rather than touch.
Trygg Trafikk (and several others) have advocated banning the use of touchscreens that cannot be controlled from the steering wheel as long as the car is moving. They are calling for better legislation in the field, and point out that the use of mobile phones in cars has been regulated by law for more than 20 years.
Assessment of the case
The Road Traffic Act is quite clear that it is the driver’s responsibility to pay attention in traffic. Paragraph 3 reads “Everyone must travel with consideration and be alert and cautious so that no danger can arise or damage be caused and so that other traffic is not unnecessarily obstructed or disturbed”.
At the same time, there is little doubt that car manufacturers also have a responsibility and interest in producing cars that are as safe as possible. This is a responsibility that manufacturers have taken very seriously over the past 50 years, where improvements in safety equipment and driver support systems have continued to come. As a result of this, and safer roads, the number of accidents has fallen significantly – almost year on year.
Developments in car technology will continue unabated, with more and more user-friendly and eventually automated cars with increasingly built-in safety. This will further improve traffic safety.
Digitization and touch screens are relatively new technologies where development is moving forward at lightning speed. New research may indicate that there are good and less good places to place the screens (high up is good) and control them (voice control, control from the steering wheel/”wheel” and voice messages are good).
Most car manufacturers have now introduced function levels that can only be used when the car is parked. There are also constantly new driver assistance systems such as “Advanced Driver Distraction Warning” (ADDW) – where e.g. steering wheel movement sensors or cameras correct inattentive drivers.
So far, there have been no signals that the road authorities are considering legislating the use of screens, but it cannot be ruled out that this could happen. For BIL, it will be important to influence that any legal regulation must be sensibly designed so that it contributes to increased safety, without stopping technological development. Throughout, new technology has made cars significantly safer than before, and future technology will make cars even safer. This development must not be reversed.
BIL’s main points
Road safety is the car manufacturers’ first priority. The development of technology over the past 50 years – from seat belts in the 70s to advanced driver assistance systems today – has led to a significant reduction in the number of accidents and injuries in traffic. Modern cars contain constructions, safety equipment and assistance systems that make traffic much safer than before.
Touch screens are relatively new, and car manufacturers are gaining more and more experience about where the screens should be placed and controlled to optimize safety. New knowledge is quickly translated into improvements. We are therefore certain that the cars will become even safer in the years to come.
There is reason to emphasize that all drivers must be very careful and focus on the traffic picture at all times. Feel free to control the car’s functions from the steering wheel control panel and use the car’s voice function so you can keep your eyes on the road. Stop when using touch screens or doing other advanced operations.
Questions and answers
Do touchscreens lead to more accidents?
The short answer is that it is much safer to travel in traffic today than in the past. Technological developments over the past 50 years – from seat belts in the 70s to advanced driver assistance systems today – have led to a significant reduction in the number of accidents and injuries in traffic. Having said that, there is reason to emphasize that all drivers must be attentive and focus on the traffic picture at all times. Therefore feel free to control the car’s functions from the steering wheel control panel and use the car’s voice function so that you can keep your eyes on the road. Stop when you need to use control screens or do other advanced operations.
Don’t the car manufacturers have a responsibility?
Yes, the car manufacturers have a great responsibility and take responsibility. Road safety is the car manufacturers’ first priority. Technological developments over the past 50 years have led to a significant reduction in the number of accidents and injuries in traffic. Modern cars contain safety equipment and assistance systems that make traveling in traffic much safer than before. Touch screens are relatively new, and car manufacturers are gaining more and more experience about where the screens should be placed and controlled to optimize safety. New knowledge is quickly translated into improvements. We are therefore certain that the cars will become even safer in the years to come.
Do you have any good advice for motorists?
Be careful in traffic, drive defensively and keep your focus on the traffic picture at all times. Feel free to control the car’s functions from the steering wheel control panel and use the car’s voice function so you can keep your eyes on the road. Stop when using touch screens or doing other advanced operations.
Should touch screens be regulated by law?
We note that some have advocated for this, and we at BIL are happy to participate in that debate. Road safety is very important. Throughout, new technology has made cars significantly safer than before, and future technology will make cars even safer. This development must not be reversed.