Automotive
University of Washington simulator study finds touchscreens increase lane drift
Jalopnik reports that a University of Washington simulator study of 16 experienced drivers found touchscreen use increased lane drift and made drivers worse at finding inputs.
The short version
- A University of Washington simulator study of 16 experienced drivers links touchscreen tasks to greater lane drift.[Jalopnik]
- The study found weaving rose 41.9% on average, and drivers were 58% worse at locating intended touchscreen inputs.[Jalopnik]
- Researchers found bigger on-screen buttons did not help, and the tests used a simulator rather than real roads.[Jalopnik]
- NHTSA attributes 3,208 deaths and 315,167 injuries in 2024 to distracted driving, and Europe's NCAP now requires some physical controls for five-star ratings.[Jalopnik]
Key facts
- The University of Washington study tested 16 experienced drivers in a simulator and found touchscreen use increased lane drift.[Jalopnik]
- The study found weaving increased 41.9% on average, and tested drivers were 58% worse at locating intended touchscreen inputs.[Jalopnik]
- Researchers found that enlarging on-screen buttons did not address the distraction problem.[Jalopnik]
- NHTSA reported 3,208 deaths and 315,167 injuries tied to distracted driving in 2024.[Jalopnik]
- An IIHS study released in August found police reports drastically undercount cell phone distraction, and its telematics re-survey suggested involvement may be seven times higher.[Jalopnik]
- Europe's New Car Assessment Program requires some functions to use direct physical input rather than a touchscreen to earn five-star ratings.[Jalopnik]
What remains uncertain
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.