If you’re a fan of new-age car technology, capacitive control switches on steering wheels might sound cool to you. But imagine this, what if they’re the cause of some reported car crashes? Sounds scary? Well, Volkswagen car owners seem to think so.
Serious Dangers of Convenience
So, what’s the issue with capacitive controls? Are they not supposed to be a good thing? Yes, they are. In fact, they are a trendy feature of modern automotive design, replacing traditional mechanical buttons for a slick, seamless look. And icing on the cake? They’re also easier and quicker to install, which for car makers like Volkswagen, means extra profit. But, what good is a fancy feature if it can potentially lead drivers to unintentional accidents?
Typically, capacitive buttons are clever tech components that only need a light touch to work. Sounds good, right? But here’s the kicker when you put those buttons on a steering wheel, accidental touches can cause inadvertent distractions. An unintentional swipe as you’re parking your car might mess with your audio system, or worse, engage cruise control or lane keep features. No doubt, this spells bad news for anyone on the roads.
A Closer Look at the Complaints
Volkswagen owners are up in arms, blaming capacitive controls for causing accidents. While handling multifunction steering wheels – especially during crucial operations like parking – drivers are likely to touch these sensitive panels unintentionally.
Just think about it. You’re parking and you accidentally brush your hand against the panel on the right side of the steering wheel. Instead of just a minor inconvenience, like messing up your favorite radio station, something critical happens. You suddenly lose control of the vehicle. Let the gravity of that sink in.
Volkswagen’s Stance
Capacitive controls are not exclusive to one make or model. In fact, it’s thought of as a step forward in the automotive worlds’ ceaseless quest for seamless design and increased manufacturing efficiency. But has Volkswagen spilled the beans on these concerns? Not yet, it seems.
With these potential issues cropping up, it is high time for an authoritative response from Volkswagen. If there’s a possible threat to driver safety, shouldn’t they be re-examining the design? Better yet, like any responsible brand, shouldn’t they factor safety over visual appeal and profit margins? For now, we can only wait and hope for a vigilant response from the automakers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the next time you’re stepping into a tech-laden car, pay heed to the controls. Ensure you’re familiar with all new gadgets and navigation systems. A multifunction steering wheel with capacitive buttons might appear sleek and charming but remember, safety should always come first.
If there’s anything that this fiasco teaches us, it’s that precautions in design and technology should not overshadow drivers’ safety. Because, after all, what benefit is cutting-edge technology if it ends up being a potential threat on the road?