Rivian

Physical controls while driving is just much safer.

I agree, but that fractional safety isn't the only factor in deciding what car to buy, or at least it shouldn't be.

If your criteria is to be less safe, let me know which sidewalks you’ll be near so I can avoid them.

Oh sweet summer child! You think that HVAC control distraction are even a rounding error of risk from distracted drivers behind the wheel? It is rare that I ever drive during the day I don't see someone actively holding their phone in their hand to visually use it, and its not a quick glance, but miles of watching their phone of who-knows-what.

If you're primarily worried about drivers of cars with touch screen HVAC controls instead of distracted phone drivers, you're not doing a great job of personal risk assessment.