At least in Tesla's, it seems like a win for safety. No switching channels, no loading CDs/switching stations (just say "play pink floyd"), no playing with volume (it's on the steering wheel), automatic wipers, (with manual do it now on the stalk), automatic temp control, voice based nav that works well. Seat adjustments are on the seat. Cruise control following distances are on the steering wheel. Pause music is on the steering wheel (or automatic when you receive a call or ask for voice control).
Car's without touchscreens still often require looking, can you change your channel to preset #3 without looking? Switch from heat to AC mode? Defrost your front/rear windshield? Seems about the same as a touch screen, and relatively infrequent.
Not sure what people are doing on their touch screens, but I rarely touch mine, and when I look it's for more info about my environment, not less.
The Tesla does have a touch screen, but you don't need them to change the volume, the cruise control follow distance, play a new song, pause a song, make a phone call, use voice nav, manually overwrite the wipers (wipe now), etc.