The debate around the use of large screens in vehicle cabins and their impact on driver distraction is a hot topic in the automotive industry. The German publication, Autobild, published an article titled “Ablenkung im Auto – Touchscreens: Groß und gefährlich?” (Distraction in the Car – Touchscreens: Large and Dangerous?), which addresses the issue. The article argues that the increasing size of touchscreens in vehicle cabins can lead to significant distraction for drivers.
The article highlights a study conducted by the German Automobile Club (ADAC), which found that large screens can distract drivers for up to 5 seconds. This is a significant period, especially when traveling at high speeds. Moreover, the study found that the complexity of these screens also contributes to driver distraction. For instance, drivers may have to navigate through various menus and options to adjust their air conditioning or music volume.
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Bigger, and Bigger screens
Despite these findings, many automakers are still pushing for larger screens in their vehicles. The article mentions the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class, which features a massive 12.8-inch touchscreen that controls most of the car’s functions. The BMW iX is another example, featuring a curved display that spans 14.9 inches. However, the article notes that not all automakers are following this trend.
Old Volvo Settings Faster Than New Touchscreen Models: Study Reveals Surprising Results
The study conducted by the Swedish publication “Vi Bilägare” compared the touchscreen controls in 11 new car models with a screenless 2005 Volvo V70. The participants were asked to adjust various settings, including seat heating, temperature, trip meter, instrument lighting, and radio, while driving. Surprisingly, the participants were able to adjust the settings on the V70 in just 10 seconds.
However, the time increased significantly for the touchscreen models, with the Dacia Sandero taking 13.5 seconds, Tesla Model 3 taking 23.5 seconds, Seat Leon taking 29.3 seconds, BMW iX taking 30.4 seconds, and a staggering 44 seconds for the China-SUV MG Marvel R with a massive 19.4-inch touchscreen.
These results indicate that the traditional controls in the older Volvo V70 were faster and easier to operate while driving, highlighting the potential dangers of touchscreen controls in vehicles.
Saab’s Approach
One example of an automaker that took a different approach is Saab. The Swedish automaker, which is now defunct, was known for its reduced cockpit and the “Night Panel” function. The Saab cockpit was designed to minimize the amount of information presented to the driver. The idea was that a less cluttered dashboard would reduce distraction and help drivers focus on the road.
Simplifying the Driving Experience
The “Night Panel” function is another Saab innovation that aimed to reduce distraction. The function allows drivers to turn off all instrument panel lighting except for the speedometer, making it easier to drive at night. Saab claimed that this feature could reduce distraction by up to 70%.
While the Saab cockpit and “Night Panel” function are no longer available, they serve as an example of how automakers can approach the issue of driver distraction differently. Instead of adding more screens and information, they can focus on simplifying the driving experience.
This function is not available in new vehicles, except in Scania trucks, and recently a similar feature has been added to Volvo trucks, where it can be seen that Saab’s solution was an inspiration.
Large screens are not a problem, simplify the interface
It’s worth noting that large screens in vehicle cabins aren’t necessarily a bad thing. The issue is how they’re implemented. A well-designed touchscreen that’s easy to navigate can be helpful for drivers. For example, Tesla’s large 17-inch touchscreen has received praise for its ease of use. However, as the ADAC study found, complexity can be a significant factor in driver distraction.
Good balance is everything
The increasing size of touchscreens in vehicle cabins is a double-edged sword. While they can provide useful information and features, they can also lead to significant distraction for drivers. Automakers need to find a balance between providing enough information to be useful and not overwhelming drivers with too much information.
Saab’s reduced cockpit and “Night Panel” function serve as examples of how automakers can approach the issue of driver distraction differently. Ultimately, the goal should be to make driving safer and more comfortable, and reducing distractions is a crucial step towards achieving this goal.
Just to clarify, Volvo Trucks benefit from the Night Panel since 2012.
I live in a country side area, where from time to time an animal can cross the road. Having this Night mode in my SAAB helped me more than once to better see them and brake earlier. Now that many car makers put useless lights inside the car, the Night Mode feature not only helps you concentrate you on the road, but also to no to have a discotheque in your car.
Really nice feature but… I’ve only used it twice in 14 years…
On the other hand, the navigation system on my 9-5 2003 Aero doesn’t get dark or off at all with Night Panel on which is ridiculous. You need to turn off the music and everything in order to use Night Panel properly or manually adjust it which takes a very long time.
Loved the night panel! Only in SAABs – cars for “drivers”, for the sheer pleasure of driving.😊
Every day i love my saab more and more, it’s not perfect, but it’s perfect for me
People are saying its difficult in these new cars with screens to drive at night. Always wondered why you’d want to stare at a screen all day at work to then have them on your drive to and from.
tech-freaks rule car design nowadays and ergonomics seems to be a forgotten concept
Tech-freaks ruin car design now days, don’t you mean?
To Johan Wejedal >
cars now designed by the mobile phone industry. The car part of a car is now secondary to the stupid tablet that is now the dashboard!!!!
Every car should have a night panel feature!
great feature! i love it. but question – if i turn it on the aircondition panel still shine. is it correct? it was the same in my previous saab 9-3 (2000) and in my present 9-5 aero (2007). thanks!
Night panel, the nicest feature on Saab I never use. But I still love it.
When I drive the other car I cover the panel with a blanket , instead my Saab is blanket free😄
Really miss the Black/Night Panel function in our new car 🥴🥴🥴
Too much going on in the new dashbords 😵💫
002 95 owner love it.. Cannot stand driving any car with a bright dash at night always adjust them down. The headlights instantly brighter.use this feature all the time especially in dark rural Irish back roads coming back from local beach with dog late at night.. I don’t have fancier headlights so it makes the older 95 headlights brighter by 40pc on road and less distraction. Were years ahead with this idea back then.
The ONE time you don’t need the night panel in a SAAB is when you bought a SAAB 9-5 as a first car for your 18 y/o son and he finds the trick where the speedometer lights up if you reaches above 140 km/h.
I drive trucks at night and wish there was a way to reduce the light levels from the instruments, I do use the nightpanel option on my Saab whenever it is appropriate
On Scania trucks, there are a button with a half moon and someting else on it which is effectively a night panel button. It turns of every instrument and climate control lights of, except the speedometer. Very useful feature which also is very cool, Volvo has a similar function on some trucks
And the history of all these ideas … Saab has a history with aeroplanes and that’s where all this comes from. Saab even designed cars so that the center of gravity would be the drivers seat. As in a plane, that the pilot would feel his machine to the full. And the night panel comes from the same thinking. Minimal distractions, let the pilot focus on what’s important. I don’t think that anyone here noted yet the fact, that the night panel is also intuitive. If you’re revving too high, if you are overheating, if your fuel is running low it will light that meter again. That is just a perfect design.
Joying makes some great rectangular options that fit perfectly within the area between the vents and controls with no overlap Just be mindful that we need to transplant the canbus board out of the original radio and tuck it back inside the dash if you have a pre-facelift NG.
I used my night panel every time i drive at night on high way or tricky road. It’s really make a difference. My eyes don’t get tired. Love it. Only at Saab.
No need for TV screens in the car, neither tablests, phones and other hanging up wonders…Long live Night mode and analog indicators
Well, nowadays people can not find their way back and forth to work and kid’s school without a GPS. How else can you explain the need for that large screen?
Ive driven a few cars with screens of different kinds and all screens aren’t that dangerous aslong as the usual stuff like climatcontrol an seatheaters ad such is still analog buttons so you kan reach and feel what you press without looking away its pretty much fine sure more distractions no screen is optomal but those who implement everything into the screen and in to different menus and such should be made illegal ive almost crashed a few times because of this in a volvo v90
Honestly, an excellent feature in this car and I regret it has not been picked up by other manufacturers. I like driving with it in the dark because my eyes dont get so tired.
Those large screens in modern cars are idiotic. Love the Night Panel on my two Saabs and use them all the time when driving at night. Nothing better!
1 vote for night panel in new large screen and i think it is so easy to implement. I miss this night mode in my recent cars.