[Mrs. Robinson]

Originally Posted by billethkid

Is it not just a matter of degree/time?
Compared to turning the old dials, buttons, slides for setting a/c, radio, answering the phone, reading (anything), eating, taking/putting back a drink container, etc.

The touch screen is just today's variant.
They are all/have been/continue to be distractions.

Originally Posted by Rapscallion St Croix

Thanks to this Public Service Announcement, I shall never again look at my speedometer, gas gauge, temp gauge, rear view mirror, or any other distraction that requires me to take my eyes off the road.

Thank you . . . . Exactly -- you both hit the nail on the head. Call it multi-tasking or whatever other terminology you care to use, there is NO WAY you can 100% keep your eyes fastened to the road, and if that is what you do, you are a lousy and unsafe driver.

There are too many other things involved with what you should be doing when driving and the posts above are only a few mentioned things.
Accessory items (radio, power windows, cup holder, etc.) require the same attention as necessary items (windshield wipers, rear/side view mirrors, ventilation.
If you can't do all related things with the same mind-set safety, then you either shouldn't have them installed or shouldn't be driving.