ADAC Implements Stricter Evaluation Standards Amid Declining Vehicle Interface Safety

The German automobile association ADAC has instituted more rigorous evaluation standards for vehicle usability after observing a consistent decline in operational safety in modern cars. This move comes in response to ongoing trends in the automotive industry that favor touch-based interfaces and complex digital controls over traditional tactile buttons and switches.

According to ADAC's recent analysis of its vehicle testing data from the past seven years, there has been a noticeable deterioration in user interface safety. Despite compliance with legal approval processes, vehicles have increasingly scored lower in terms of ease and safety of operation. The primary concern cited is the growing reliance on touchscreens and digital menus, which have led to greater driver distraction and potentially compromised road safety.

In earlier assessments, vehicles typically achieved good marks in the usability category, with the average grade in 2019 being notably higher than in recent years. By 2025, however, the average score for operational convenience had dropped, with some vehicles receiving ratings that reflected only sufficient usability. This trend is largely attributed to the proliferation of touch-operated controls and the reduction of physical buttons, which often provide essential tactile feedback and allow for quicker, less distracting operation.

Automotive manufacturers have increasingly adopted software-driven control systems, embedding essential functions within layered digital menus. While this may offer cost benefits in production and enable more flexible design, ADAC's testing indicates that such approaches often result in longer interaction times and increased cognitive load for drivers. This, in turn, elevates the risk of accidents due to distraction.

To address these concerns, the ADAC is now aligning its evaluation criteria with those of the European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP), which updated its own standards in early 2024. Under the revised guidelines, full usability points will only be awarded if critical functions--such as indicators, hazard lights, the horn, windshield wipers, and emergency call (eCall) systems--are accessible via physical, tactile controls. Less vital features may remain within digital menus but must be reachable in no more than one or two steps.

The aim is to encourage automotive manufacturers to reconsider the current trend towards fully digital interfaces and reintroduce more physical controls where safety is a concern. While digital touchscreens may simplify manufacturing and offer modern aesthetics, many drivers express a preference for the familiarity and reliability of traditional buttons, particularly when it comes to safety-critical functions.

Some manufacturers have already begun to adjust their designs in response. For example, Volkswagen recently announced a renewed focus on tactile controls, while other companies, such as Tesla, continue to prioritize touch-based operation. These changes may be motivated both by safety testing standards and by consumer demand for more intuitive vehicle controls.

Industry observers note that the long-term adoption of safer, more accessible vehicle interfaces may depend on both regulatory pressures and consumer choices. As usability and safety become more prominent in vehicle evaluations, manufacturers may increasingly prioritize these aspects in future models, balancing innovation with practical road safety considerations.

The ADAC's decision to tighten its usability assessment criteria underscores the significance of operational safety in modern vehicles and highlights the evolving relationship between technological advancement, user experience, and road safety.