Why wave?

I cannot understand how removing one’s hand from the steering wheel to grope around in front of a screen in order to change a radio’s volume [pictured above] is a ‘slick touch’ (‘5-series fights back in technology arms race’, Connectivity, evo 230). Is it not a lot easier and safer to simply use the wheel-mounted buttons that are directly under the driver’s thumb?

Either car makers are trying to increase sales by encouraging distracted- driving accidents, or they are employing infotainment designers who have never driven a car in traffic.

Smartphone and tablet designers put volume- control buttons on the side of their devices because that is the most convenient place for them. John Tuleibitz, Simpsonville, SC, USA