The Australasian New Car Assessment Program (Ancap), in cooperation with the European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro Ncap), has announced new design protocols for driver-interface technology for the next three years. These changes aim to address identified problems with existing advanced driver-assistance systems (Adas), including autonomous braking.
Ancap will now penalise vehicles that feature intrusive, confusing, or poorly calibrated safety systems. The organisation will also recommend the reintroduction of physical buttons or fixed screen areas for essential controls such as the horn, indicators, hazard lights, wipers, and headlights.
These adjustments acknowledge the potential danger of navigating complex screen menus while driving. Ancap's chief executive, Carla Hoorweg, stated that updated guidance requires well-designed driver monitoring systems to support motorists, "not irritate them."
Hoorweg added that driver monitoring systems must demonstrate a genuine ability to detect distraction and fatigue. Speed assistance systems are also required to show both accuracy and meaningful driver engagement.