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Are touchscreens in cars dangerous?

(www.economist.com)
238 points Brajeshwar | 1 comments | 20 Sep 25 15:57 UTC | HN request time: 0s | source
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annexrichmond ◴[20 Sep 25 17:07 UTC] No.45315146[source]▶
I find using CarPlay more dangerous than my phone. At least with my phone I’m using a familiar interface and I can use at any angle. With CarPlay my panel is awkwardly positioned, the UI is confusing, and I have to pay far more attention to what I’m doing.

I’m not suggesting at all it’s ok to use your phone while driving, and is unlawful for a good reason. Yet CarPlay, a dumbed down phone bolted to your dash, is totally fine, despite being no more safe IMO

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harrall ◴[20 Sep 25 21:43 UTC] No.45317838[source]▶
My phone is also mounted above my dash immediately to the right of my steering wheel, allowing me to always have the road in sight.

With many in-car screens, you have to look down and right. You can’t even see the road in your peripheral anymore.

I’ve driven for over 20 years and have only slammed on my breaks 3 times in my entire life and not once in the last 10 years.

I’m going to admit: I’ve done extremely bad things while driving but for 20 years, my eyes basically have never left a small window that includes the road, even if I’m fiddling with my phone or stuffing Panda Express into my face with a stupid fork.

I literally bring a phone mount with me when I rent a car on a trip.

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1. theonething ◴[21 Sep 25 03:34 UTC] No.45319814[source]▶
Mazda does a good job with screen placement. It's higher up on the dash, so you can see it clearly while looking straight ahead in normal driving position. Ie you don't have to take your eyes off the road to see it. Also, instead of touch screen to navigate and select, you use a scroll wheel that is in the center console behind the gear shifter. It's within easy reach of your right hand (in left driver side cars) and again, you don't have to take your eyes off the road to use it.