Technology is advancing in leaps and bounds – there are even fully autonomous cars in America and China that can drive with their passengers relaxing in the back seat.

Touchscreens are getting bigger, more complicated, and buttons are disappearing from dashboards.

Has our digital desire gone too far?

From modest beginnings…

The first car with a digital touchscreen was the 1986 Buick Riviera. Far ahead of its time, the green-and-black Graphic Control Centre (or GCC for short) put audio and climate control at drivers’ fingertips.

It also displayed information such as motor readings, brake diagnostics, maintenance reminders and a calendar.  It aimed to “transform a trip to the 7-Eleven into a space odyssey”.

This was the 80’s – a time of revolutionary innovation and vast imagination. Microsoft Windows 1.0 had just been released, NASA’s Space Shuttle orbited the Earth and DNA genetic profiling had been discovered. The future was nigh.

But by 1990, a mere four years later, Buick’s GCC had been discontinued. It was too distracting. Customers complained about taking their eyes off the road and struggling to navigate on-screen menus while driving. Sound familiar?

…to extreme minimalists

By 2021, touchscreens were everywhere: phones, airport check-in terminals and, of course, cars.

That year, Mercedes-Benz unveiled its massive, curved glass display – 1.41 metres of digital dashboard stretching from pillar to pillar – to a round of futuristic applause.

With more computer power than many laptops, the screen controlled everything from audio and navigation to seat comfort, driving modes, climate control and driver monitoring. It even sent birthday reminders and was integrated Microsoft Teams. Touch gestures, voice commands and haptic steering-wheel feedback promised an intuitive, friction-free driving experience.

It felt like science-fiction perfection, and the closest we’d come to the flying cars of Back to the Future II or the Batmobile.

Fast forward to today – the beginning of 2026 – and Mercedes are dialling back on their all-digital interior because it’s too distracting. Customers are complaining about haptic steering-wheel controls and touchscreen-only access to basic functions like volume and climate.

Are buttons better?

Australia’s independent voice on vehicle safety, the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (known as ANCAP SAFETY), thinks buttons are better than touchscreens. In fact, from 2026, ANCAP will penalise new vehicles in their safety ratings if essential driving functions are buried in complex touchscreen menus.

ANCAP are calling for car manufacturers to bring back buttons, particularly for critical driver controls like the horn, indicator, hazard lights, windscreen wipers and headlights. ANCAP are not alone, with Euro NCAP introducing similar criteria, reinforcing the global shift back towards physical buttons.

Manufacturers are listening to calls for physical buttons to return. Mercedes-Benz’s Chief Software Officer, Magnus Östberg, has publicly acknowledged that physical controls are often safer and more effective. Meanwhile, Tesla owners can now retrofit their minimalist interiors with aftermarket buttons and knobs at a price.

Why buttons matter

RAA Principal Advisor for Energy and Future Mobility Peter Nattress says distracted driving, as one of the fatal five causes of road crash casualties, takes many forms.

“People understand obvious distractions like texting or scrolling on a mobile phone, eating, drinking or being preoccupied with passengers,” Peter says.

“But because respected manufacturers build these elaborate touchscreen systems into cars, many drivers don’t realise how unsafe they can be.”

An independent study by researchers at Norwegian research company SINTEF used eye-tracking technology to measure how long drivers looked away from the road when using touchscreens. The study found that simple tasks, like adjusting temperature via the touchscreen, caused drivers to divert their gaze for as much as two full seconds. At 60km/h, you travel approximately 33 metres in two seconds – about the length of six vehicles.

Physical buttons fall back on muscle memory, the brain’s ability to perform familiar actions without conscious thought. Drivers learn the location, shape and resistance of controls over time, allowing them to adjust volume, demist a windscreen or activate indicators without looking away from the road.

Buttons also provide immediate feedback through movement and resistance, work in different lighting situations and while wearing gloves. Critical functions can be accessed in a single action and, in safety-critical moments, prompt and confident reactions matter.

Peter says good design is about reducing the driver’s cognitive load so they can remain focused on their surroundings.

“As drivers, we are increasingly surrounded by potential temptations to steal our attention away from the task at hand: driving,” Peter says.

“Technology should complement, not compete for the driver’s attention.

“The best systems are the ones where drivers don’t even know that they are being assisted by the car to keep everyone safe.”

The evolution of in-car technology shows progress isn’t always about adding more screens. Sometimes, it’s about knowing when to stop – and maybe even reverting back to basics.

As manufacturers rethink design and safety bodies push for change, the humble button may yet prove that the smartest technology is the kind that lets drivers focus on driving.

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Kicking a footy with your left foot might be considered skilful, but the same can’t be said for driving with your left foot. Here’s why.

Is it legal?   

While it’s not actually illegal to use your left foot to accelerate and brake on roads in Australia, there are safety risks to ambidextrous driving. Some drivers like to use their left foot for braking and their right foot to operate the accelerator, but this technique isn’t recommended when driving on public roads.

Is it safe?

While you can’t be fined specifically for driving with your left foot, you are more at risk of losing proper control of the vehicle. In fact, you can be fined $228, plus a $105 Victims of Crime Levy for this offence.

Cars are primarily designed to be driven with the right foot operating either the accelerator or brake. According to RAA Senior Manager of Safety and Infrastructure Charles Mountain, using the left foot to brake and accelerate can potentially lead to pedal confusion.

“That’s why it’s advised to only use the right foot for operating the accelerator and brake when you’re driving on public roads,” Charles says.

“The reason for using your right foot is when the foot is removed from the accelerator in order to brake, it’s not possible to inadvertently accelerate.

“Although there have been examples of this where drivers haven’t realised which pedal they were pressing.”

Exceptions to the unwritten rule

If you’ve ever gone from driving an automatic vehicle to a car with a manual transmission, then you know that your left foot is an essential part of driving because it has to be used in conjunction with the accelerator when changing gears and the brake pedal when stopping.

But here’s where your left foot can get you in trouble. When your left foot applies pressure on the clutch pedal without fully pressing it down, you’re likely ‘riding the clutch’, which can reduce the life of your clutch.

To avoid the chances of this happening, rest your left foot on the footrest (also known as the dead pedal), typically found to the left of the clutch in a manual, until you need to use your foot to change gears.

Did you know using the left foot to brake is also common trackside? Most professional race car drivers use their left foot to brake so they can quickly apply more force to the brake pedal, which is crucial for maintaining control when travelling at high speeds around corners.

That said, most of us aren’t professional race car drivers, and public roads certainly aren’t racetracks. This is when it’s best to keep your left foot firmly planted on the footrest, leaving your right foot to do the work.

Final word

“Unless you’re driving a vehicle with a manual transmission, driving using your left foot isn’t required, nor is it safe, and should definitely not be practised on public roads,” Charles says.

As for using both feet interchangeably at the pedals, that’s an entirely different story – literally. Check out our article on whether it’s a good idea to use both feet when driving an automatic.

The post Is it legal to drive with your left foot? appeared first on samove.com.au.

The road isn’t really the safest place for kids to learn about road safety and pick up new skills.

So, in 1964, the South Australian Police (SAPOL) Road Safety Centre was established in the area now bounded by Port Road, the Royal Adelaide Hospital and the train line from Adelaide Railway Station.

It included a mock roadway replicating the signals, signs and other infrastructure found on public roads.

It was an ideal spot for children to learn about road safety in a safe, controlled environment.

In 2013, the centre was relocated to the Thebarton Police Barracks, and a new mock roadway was built in nearby Bonython Park, beside Port Road. The good work continued.

However, this area is now the Women’s and Children’s Hospital construction site and the safety centre has moved to Military Road, West Beach, between the mini golf and caravan park.

A new home for the Road Safety Centre

This latest mock roadway includes stop signs, pedestrian crossings, functioning traffic lights, a railway crossing and even a roundabout.

It’s open to the public, free of charge, from 8–10am and 2.30pm-6pm on weekdays, and 8am-6pm on weekends. During daylight saving it’s open until 8pm.

These times are only a guide, so it’s best to check with the safety centre before you visit, by phoning 8207 6923 or emailing SAPOL.RoadSafetySection@police.sa.gov.au.

BYO bikes and approved helmets.

The South Australia Police Road Safety Centre also offers a range of programs, including a school holiday program with practical training on the mock roadway.

The Bonython Park roadway is still open to the public, but the traffic signals aren’t operating.

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‘One thousand and one, one thousand and two, one thousand and three’. It has taken at least three seconds to read those words.

It’s the same amount of time you should keep between your vehicle and the one in front.

While the three-second rule is widely recommended for motorists to ensure they’re travelling at safe distances, it’s not an official road rule in Australia.

If keeping count while driving is distracting, or you find judging distance difficult, here are three other telltale tailgating signs to look for.

1. Braking suddenly

Ever been a passenger in a vehicle where the driver is constantly accelerating and braking heavily. Do you find yourself pressing the virtual footbrake?

RAA Senior Manager of Safety and Infrastructure Charles Mountain says repeatedly accelerating close to the vehicle in front of you and braking heavily can increase the risk of a rear-end collision. In fact, a third of all crashes are rear-end collisions, and following too closely is a major cause. 

“The risk can be dramatically reduced by simply maintaining sufficient space between you and the vehicle in front and, of course, paying attention,” Charles says.

“Unpredictable movements like this can reduce a driver’s reaction time, increase stress and anxiety, and provoke anger from others on the road,” he adds.

That’s why it’s important to always keep acceleration and braking smooth and ensure there’s enough space between you and the vehicle ahead to safely stop.

“If you do need to react quickly in the event of an emergency or when traffic suddenly slows, there should be enough space for you to do so safely,” Charles says.

2. Water splashes onto your windscreen

‘That’s strange – it wasn’t forecast to rain,’ you think to yourself as water splashes on your windscreen.

The driver in the vehicle in front has flicked on their wipers with the intention to clean their windscreen – not yours. If you’re too close to the car in front, you’ll get splashed.

Our advice? Ease off the accelerator, go home, grab a bucket and microfibre cloth and get scrubbing.

3. If you can’t see the vehicle’s rear wheels

Ever braked suddenly at the lights and found yourself almost bumper-to-bumper with the car in front? If you can no longer see the other vehicle’s number plate, consider yourself too close.

When stopped at the traffic lights, you should actually be able to see the rear wheels of the vehicle in front or be no closer than three metres. Keeping this distance is just another important way to avoid rear-end crashes, particularly at or near intersections where there can be a greater risk of collisions. It also allows you enough space to manoeuvre around the vehicle in front if it breaks down.

The three-second rule in three easy steps

The three-second rule applies at any speed, whether you’re travelling 40km/h in Unley or 110km/h on the South Eastern Freeway.

Here’s how to apply the rule safely.

1. Choose a fixed point: Select a stationary object on the side of the road. In this case, let’s focus on a road sign.

2. Keep your eye on the vehicle ahead: When the vehicle in front of you passes that road sign, start counting – one thousand one, one thousand two, one thousand three.

3. Check your distance: If you reach the road sign before you finish counting, you’re travelling too closely to the vehicle in front of yours. Take this as your reminder to back away.

Final word

Drivers face a $414 fine, a $105 Victims of Crime Levy and one demerit point if caught not keeping a safe distance.

If you’re the one being tailgated, try to stay calm and let the other vehicle pass.

“That might mean safely pulling over to the side of the road,” Charles says. “If you intend to pull over, make sure to indicate your intentions early and only stop in a location where it’s safe to do so.”

Remember, tailgating won’t get you to your destination any faster.

The post 3 ways to tell you’re tailgating appeared first on samove.com.au.

You’ve been overseas and bought a quirky bike helmet at a local market. But is it legal to use in Australia?

In 1990, Victoria was the first Australian state to introduce mandatory bike helmet laws, followed by the rest of the country in the next couple of years.

An extensive mid ‘80s Federal Government campaign prepared the public for the new laws by spreading the word that helmets were cool.

The Australian Road Rules say cyclists must wear an approved, securely fitted and fastened bike helmet, unless the rider is exempt.

The South Australian Road Traffic Act says Sikhs wearing a turban don’t have to don a bike helmet.

Helmets for bikes and other personal mobility devices, including e-scooters, e-skateboards and e-solo-wheels must comply with one of these Australian or overseas standards.

• Australian/New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 2063:2020
• Australian/New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 2063:2008
• European Standard EN 1078:2012+A1:2012
• United States Consumer Product Safety Commission Standard (16 C.F.R. Part 1203)
• American Society for Testing and Materials standard (ASTM) F1447-18
• Snell B-95, 1995 Bicycle Helmet Standard, 1998 revision

Helmets that comply with these standards have been tested at specialised laboratories for construction quality and impact absorbing properties. They must display the relevant certification mark and include instructions for use.

Penalties

A cyclist or personal mobility device rider who fails to wear an approved, securely fitted and fastened helmet could be fined $129, plus a $105 Victims of Crime Levy.

Selling a helmet that doesn’t comply with the regulations attracts an expiation fine of $472, plus a $105 Victims of Crime Levy, with a maximum court-imposed fine of $2500.

Maybe, maybe not

Anybody who’s bought a Gucci bag, Hilfiger shirt or The North Face jacket at an overseas night market are pretty sure they’re not getting the real deal.

So, keep that in mind before spending the equivalent of $3.50 on a fancy new bike helmet.

The post Is your bike or e-scooter helmet legal? appeared first on samove.com.au.

They say when one door closes, another opens – unfortunately sometimes leaving a dent on your shiny new car.

As vehicles get bigger, unfortunate dings to your ride can happen all too easily. According to RAA Senior Manager of Safety and Infrastructure Charles Mountain, opening your car door safely isn’t an open and shut case; it starts with understanding the mechanics of car doors.

“Most car doors have one or two positions or detents to enable them to be opened in a controlled manner,” Charles explains.

“This allows the driver or passengers to open the door in a restricted environment without inadvertently contacting the adjacent vehicle or wall or pillar.”

Generally, the first stop position allows the door to be opened with just enough space for someone to enter or exit the vehicle without risking contact with the vehicle next to you or a wall.  

Do the Dutch Reach

Kids eager to stretch their legs during this summer’s road trip? A stopover at the servo might sound like a good idea until you’re parked and your child flings open their door.

Kiddos arguing over the iPad in the backseat now sounds like music to your ears compared to the screech of metal-on-metal.

Charles says children should be taught how to safely open car doors using the Dutch Reach method. The safety technique was designed in the 70s in the Netherlands (hence the name) to help stop cyclists and pedestrians being hit by car doors as they pass parked cars.

“This technique involves opening the door with your right hand when exiting to the left, or the left hand when exiting to the right,” Charles says.

“This action forces you to turn your body and, in so doing, makes it easier to scan the area adjacent the vehicle.”

Another way to prevent your child opening the rear doors is to activate child lock. This will help to keep children secure inside the vehicle, even if they try to fiddle with the door handle.

“This allows the driver to open the rear doors when it is safe to do so rather than rely on those in the back,” Charles says.

“This is an important safety feature as it also prevents children from inadvertently opening the doors while the vehicle is moving.”

Know your surroundings

Always check the distance between your vehicle and the adjacent vehicle, wall, fence or pillar before attempting to open a door. Don’t just rely on side mirrors to judge the distance; turn your head and check using your eyes before opening the door.

“Modern vehicles have mirrors designed to provide a wide field of vision, but they make objects appear much further away than they actually are,” Charles says.

Besides assessing your environment, remain alert on windy days as a gust of wind can easily catch the door and swing it open.

Park within the lines

One of the biggest mistakes motorists make when parking is getting too close to the parking bay lines or ending up on top of them.

“Park your vehicle in the centre of the parking bay, parallel with the parking bay lines to help create common space between your vehicle and the one adjacent,” Charles says.

Take note

Damage to parked cars is one of the most common types of crash. In fact, they’re the most common type of insurance claim.

In the unfortunate event you do open your vehicle’s door with too much vigour and damage the vehicle next to you, you should ideally wait for the driver to return. Explain what has happened and exchange details including, names, contact phone numbers, drivers’ licence and insurance company details.

“Make sure you also record the time, date, location together with the make, model and registration number of the vehicle,” Charles says.

“Document the damage to both vehicles from various angles by taking photos and videos before letting your insurance company know about the incident as soon as possible.”

If the driver doesn’t return before you have to go, leave a note with your name and contact number under the windscreen wiper.

The post How to open your car door (without dings) appeared first on samove.com.au.

Drink driving is one of the main causes of road deaths in South Australia, but it’s not often you hear about the dangers of hitting the footpath with an alcoholic beverage in hand. So, is drink walking an offence?

In South Australia, there’s no specific offence for drink walking, but it can come with its risks.

RAA Senior Manager of Safety and Infrastructure Charles Mountain says pedestrians can walk along a footpath while consuming alcohol but there are some rules.

“Walkers can consume alcohol while walking if they’re aged 18 years or over and not within a declared dry zone where the consumption and possession of alcohol is prohibited, like at a beach or in a car park,” Charles says.

Drink walking safely

According to recent South Australia Police (SAPOL) figures, 17 pedestrians were killed in 2025, compared to 10 in 2024.

Charles says the alarming number comes as a reminder for pedestrians to remain vigilant and be aware of their surroundings.

“Pedestrians should be aware that the consumption of alcohol can impede a person’s mental and cognitive ability which can reduce their spatial awareness, make them more at risk to tripping, falls or errors of judgement when attempting to cross a road,” he says.

Pedestrian penalties

In Adelaide, the city streets and squares are designated as dry areas 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This means it’s illegal to consume alcohol or carry an open liquor container a public space without a permit.

While it’s legal to consume alcohol when you’re walking on a footpath that’s not part of a dry zone, penalties apply to pedestrians who pose a risk to themselves or other road users – drunk or not.

Pedestrians face a $61 fine, plus a $105 Victims of Crime Levy, if they cause a traffic hazard, stay on the road for longer than necessary, fail to cross the road at pedestrian lights or travel along a road without using a footpath if one is available.

Remember, bigger penalties apply for being drunk and disorderly where the public is present, like on the road. In South Australia, the maximum penalty for such offences is $1250 or imprisonment for three months.

Final word

As the silly season ends and Mad March begins, Charles says all road users, whether behind the wheel or on the footpath, should remain aware of their surroundings.

“Always walk on footpaths and use designated crossing points where available,” he says.

“Enjoy alcohol in moderation, but remember, even moderate alcohol consumption can impair your cognitive function and impact your ability to make safe decisions.”

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Taking a bike ride with the kids can be a great day out, but are you ready for the ride?

From correct helmet placement to making sure they know the road rules and feel confident on a ride, there’s a lot to do before you set off for the first time.

In this video we show some safe cycling tips to make sure you get your kids off to a good start on the bike.

If you want even more tips about cycling with kids, check out our story about cycling safely with kids.

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