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238 points Brajeshwar | 1 comments | | HN request time: 0s | source
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crazygringo ◴[] No.45314757[source]
> An analysis published in 2020 by the Transport Research Laboratory, a British organisation, found that touchscreens impaired a driver’s reaction time more than driving over the legal alcohol limit.

The question isn't whether they're dangerous, anymore.

The question is, when is safety legislation going to be passed that prevents them from being used for any routine adjustments while driving. I.e. windshield wipers, AC, change volume, skip to next track, etc.

Like it's fine if you still use them to input a GPS destination, change long-term car settings, connect a Bluetooth device, etc.

But we need to separate out the actions routinely used during driving and legislate physical controls. Why is there not legislation for this already?

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nothrabannosir ◴[] No.45316286[source]
I would support legislation which disables the touch screen when the passenger seat is unoccupied and the vehicle is in motion.

But I admit I’m being selfish: I don’t drive but share the road with people who do.

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hbrav ◴[] No.45318151[source]
Mazdas do lock the screen when in motion.

Actions can be accomplished using a 'big knob' button that can be turned or pressed. The driver can still distract themselves, but I believe it's to a lesser extent that the touch screen.

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para_parolu ◴[] No.45318567[source]
Personal anecdote: I have mazda and tesla and drive both regularly. I’ve got many more times distracted with mazda knob trying to turn on album than doing the same in tesla. I used to think knob is safer until I started to see difference every day.
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1. decafninja ◴[] No.45318696[source]
Also, IIRC the latest version of their best selling car - the CX-5, abandons the knob for pure touchscreen.

Supposedly the story is that outside of a small but vocal contingent on the Internet, most buyers did not like the knob.