Drivers are calling for major manufacturers to ditch modernity and return to a time when buttons were commonplace in vehicles.
New research has found increased demand for automakers to bring back buttons on dashboards, in contrast to the trend of infotainment screens.
From 2026, Euro NCAP, the European car safety programme, will introduce new rules aimed at promoting safer driving.
Stricter testing protocols will launch to mandate physical controls for key functions to reduce the amount of time drivers are looking away from the road.
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Drivers have called for manufacturers to bring back car buttons
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Breakdown specialists Start Rescue have warned that scrolling through on-screen menus to perform basic functions is too distracting for motorists.
On many modern vehicles, touchscreen features have replaced even the simplest functions, like opening windows and doors.
This has become such an issue that Start Rescue has seen a rise in touchscreen-related call-outs from people complaining that technology had let them down.
Commenting on the concerns, Lee Puffett, managing director of Start Rescue, said: "Our UK support centre is receiving calls from customers facing touchscreen issues.
Experts have urged automakers to prioritise safety features and make them easy to find
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"We're receiving reports of screens 'freezing' and individual operations not responding with customers thinking there's a much wider problem.
"We're backing manufacturers re-introducing more buttons, switches and rotary controls."
He stated that a return to traditional switches would be "welcome from a safety perspective".
The expert specifically highlighted how drivers could face issues in the winter when they can't demist their screens with a "quick click" without being reliant on a touchscreen.
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Experts, including Start Rescue, are now calling on manufacturers to prioritise a hybrid dashboard that combines physical and digital interfaces.
Other demands include ensuring safety features are not buried in menus and allowing drivers to customise alerts and display preferences.
The final point is for automakers to improve software to prevent screen freezes and lag, which has been noted by some drivers of modern vehicles.
Manufacturers are able to issue over-the-air software updates that should improve the technology inside the vehicle without needing to visit a garage or dealership.
Start Rescue reported that it had received complaints from drivers that steering wheels were "juddering" when the lane assist systems are activated, potentially putting them further at risk.
Stuart Masson, editorial director of The Car Expert, backed the move, saying that it was "good news" that manufacturers were listening to drivers.
He added: "Important new cars we've evaluated from several major brands now offer more well-positioned buttons and that's a direct result of customer feedback.
“Motorists are also being given more choice over the alerts they receive from the Advanced Driver Assistance Systems featured in all new vehicles, some of which can be distracting like a suddenly, juddering steering wheel.
"The option to store your personal preferences is also a step in the right direction."