Consumer Reports: Newer cars often come with more distractions

Consumer Reports: Newer cars often come with more distractions New cars with complex screens and confusing controls make it easy to get distracted behind the wheel. Consumer Reports has tips on how to get the information you need without distractions. Advertisement Updated: 8:06 AM CST Nov 9, 2026 Editorial Standards ⓘ Mallory Anderson Anchor/Reporter By Consumer Reports Consumer Reports: Newer cars often come with more distractions New cars with complex screens and confusing controls make it easy to get distracted behind the wheel. Consumer Reports has tips on how to get the information you need without distractions. Updated: 8:06 AM CST Nov 9, 2026 Editorial Standards ⓘ Mallory Anderson Anchor/Reporter By Consumer Reports MILWAUKEE — Keeping your eyes on the road is one of the first lessons taught when learning to drive. But that can be harder with new cars, especially the ones with complex screens and confusing controls. Consumer Reports evaluates cars on how likely they are to pull your focus away from the task of driving and has how to get the information you need, without taking your attention away from the road. It’s easier than ever to lose focus while driving, and sometimes, the distraction comes from the car itself. Advertisement "When you're driving, you want your car controls to help you stay focused, not distract you," said Maddie McCarty, a human factors engineer at Consumer Reports' Auto Test Center. McCarty evaluates how easy or difficult it is to use the controls on new cars and trucks. "Some car controls are more distracting to use than others," McCarty said. "We're really concerned about controls that are critical for safe driving. That can be windshield wipers, headlights, high beams, and defrosters. Those should all be very easy and quick to use." What can you do to make it easier and safer when you're behind the wheel? Consumer Reports says to get to know your car before you hit the road. "So, when you're sitting parked in your car, take a moment to look at all the features that are important to you, like the temperature, fan speed, and cruise control," McCarty said. "Also, take a minute to set up any customizations you like so it's easier for you to use while you're driving." Then there's your phone. Handling or manipulating a cell phone while driving is dangerous and often illegal. Still, more than one in five drivers reported engaging in smartphone-based distractions on most or all their trips. "Even looking away from the road for two seconds can double your crash risk," McCarty said. If you need to send a text, pull over somewhere safe, and put your car in park before you pick up your phone. If you're still struggling with your car's infotainment, stop by your car dealership, and they may be able to help you figure out how everything works, free of charge. For more information on how to better understand your car and set up features like automatic text replies while driving, visit ConsumerReports.org . Consumer Reports' top car picks for 2026 Consumer Reports: Best cars for teens Make WISN a preferred source on Google Add Preferred Source Share Infinite Scroll Enabled Top Picks VIDEO: Pilot rescued after emergency landing, marks third aviation incident in Florida within days Russell Brand faces significant prison term for rape and sexual assaults Joe Biden to limit memoir promotion tour, says cancer 'slows me down' What is the 'Protect College Sports Act' and why does it face an uphill battle in the House?