Automotive Expert Warns: Large Screens May Delay Driver Decisions in Critical Moments

Tony Latif, an electric vehicle expert, has issued a clear warning that advanced touchscreens inside modern cars can slow a driver's response in situations that demand immediate action on the road. His remarks came during an interview on the "Arabity" program on Egyptian radio, where he linked the growing reliance on digital interfaces to the complication of functions that once required a single touch.

Why Did Simple Functions Become a Search Inside the Screen?

Simple functions have changed. In traditional cars, a driver could dim the high beam with one flick of the stalk behind the steering wheel. But in many Tesla models and the Xiaomi SU7, the task now requires entering a screen menu and searching for the right function, consuming seconds that can be decisive. Latif explained that this delay isn't just about comfort; it extends to road safety when fast reactions are essential.

The sensitivity here isn't theoretical. Picture driving a Tesla Model Y at night while an oncoming car complains about your high beam. The other driver may interpret the delay as deliberate ignorance, when in reality you are hunting for an icon on the screen. The situation escalates into unnecessary tension simply because the design did not account for the actual speed of driving.

Tech Advantages Do Not Cancel the Need for Smart Design

Technological progress in electric cars delivers huge benefits in connectivity, entertainment, and driver-assistance systems. Yet Latif pointed out that these advantages need a design that balances innovation with ease of use while moving. Companies that succeed in this balance are the ones that keep physical buttons or shortcuts for critical functions instead of burying them in nested menus. Xiaomi and Tesla, for example, face repeated criticism for over-relying on the screen, while other brands have started bringing physical buttons back to the dashboard.

The expert stressed that the problem isn't the technology itself, but how it's delivered. When controlling the high beam, air conditioning, or even air vents depends on a touchscreen, the driver carries an extra burden on every trip. That burden may not show up in calm daily driving, but it emerges on highways, in traffic, or during sudden situations.

What Awaits Egyptian Drivers as EVs Spread?

With more electric cars entering Cairo and other Egyptian cities, more drivers will encounter this type of design. The question is: will automakers respond to demands for simpler, faster interfaces? Competition will decide the answer, but one thing is certain — critical functions need instant shortcuts, not drop-down lists. Tesla prices in the Egyptian market may attract some buyers, but daily driving experience is what seals the decision.

Latif closed his warning with a direct call: technology must support the driver, not test their patience. A successful car design is one that makes a quick decision possible with a single touch, whether you drive a fully electric or hybrid vehicle. A safe journey starts with an interface that doesn't tie up your hand and eye.