Reports on May 6th reveal that Euro NCAP, the European New Car Assessment Programme, will require vehicles to have essential physical buttons to control basic functions starting in 2026, or they won't be eligible for a five-star rating.
Under the new regulations, in order to achieve a five-star rating, drivers must be able to perform five essential functions using levers or buttons within the vehicle: indicators, hazard lights, horn, windshield wipers, and SOS call.
It is noted that current trends among car manufacturers involve integrating controls into screens, which poses a risk of distracting drivers and increasing the likelihood of accidents.
Matthew Avery, Strategic Development Director at Euro NCAP, commented, "The Euro NCAP tests set to be implemented in 2026 will encourage manufacturers to use separate physical control buttons in an intuitive manner for basic functions, reducing the time drivers spend with their eyes off the road and promoting safer driving."
