A more high-tech, more practical, touchscreen began to replace the good old GPS wheel in the late 2000s. With it, you no longer have to press half the RTT to enter an address. Hooray! But in the 3008, this technology took on a completely new dimension, taking control of a key function of the car. Since then, there has been a fierce competition between the manufacturers of these screens, which are praised for their lightness, modernity and absolute “coolness”, and which turn out to be a trap for the eyes and attract attention.

Because there’s a “detail” that’s always eluded us speed-obsessed legislators: to use a touchscreen, you absolutely have to look at the center screen, but also, stupidly, at the finger that’s going to touch it. Suffice to say, there’s a little more than your guardian angel watching over the road at this time.

that’s why Auto Plus quickly became concerned about this situation. They’re joined today by the very serious Euro NCAP, which has just announced its desire to downgrade cars that think they’re too iPad-like. Because according to a study cited by the organization, drivers are regularly distracted by screens for 5-14 seconds. To get an idea, let’s take the famous change from 90 to 80 km/h that cost the French so many PVs and loss of license points. Well, this reduction in speed allows you to brake 10 m shorter (laboratory measurement Auto Plus). However, at the same pace, 5 seconds with eyes glued to the screen change is 100 meters traveled without a pilot on board. Ten times more “catastrophe” in the form of this expensive for our government little speeding.

So Euro NCAP has just found out and is drawing a line in the sand of distractions: not yet. Ironically, an organization without any legislative authority would carry more weight than the PV legion. Because you can be sure that even reluctantly (a line of code is cheaper than a commodo), manufacturers will follow these savings recommendations for our safety.

Photo credit: ARNAUD SAUNIER / ERAS