Cars to make emergency calls by 2015
The European Commission has adopted two proposals to ensure that, by October 2015, cars will automatically call emergency services in the case of a serious crash.
The “eCall” system automatically dials 112 – Europe’s single emergency number – in the event of a serious accident. It communicates the vehicle’s location to emergency services, even if the driver is unconscious or unable to make a phone call. It is estimated that it could save up to 2,500 lives a year
From October 2015, all new models of passenger cars and light duty vehicles will be fitted with 112 eCall and the necessary infrastructure will be created for the proper receipt and handling of eCalls in emergency call response centres, ensuring the compatibility, interoperability and continuity of the EU-wide eCall service.
European Commission Vice-President Siim Kallas, responsible for Transport, said: “Today’s proposals are a milestone for safer roads in the EU. Last year, 28 000 persons were killed and 1.5 million were injured on EU roads. When an accident happens, every minute counts to rescue injured victims. The eCall technology has great potential to save lives in shortening dramatically the time of intervention of emergency services and this across the EU.”