European cars to automatically call emergency services

folarin okunola

April 29, 2015 1:32 PM

The system, known as eCall, will automatically contact emergency services in the event of a crash, as determined by in-car sensors like those that trigger the airbags.

An European highway

Plans to install an emergency call feature in all cars and light vans from March 31, 2015, has been approved by the European Union.

The system, known as eCall, will automatically contact emergency services in the event of a crash, as determined by in-car sensors like those that trigger the airbags. eCall establishes a voice connection between users and emergency operators and automatically transmits data including the vehicle type location, and the time of the crash. There’s also a manual activation feature that will be incorporated into the system.

"The European Parliament has repeatedly stressed that reducing deaths and the severity of injuries on the roads is its priority," the legislation's lead negotiator, Czech MEP Olga Sehnalova said in a statement. "This will be a public service, free of charge for all citizens, irrespective of the type of vehicle or its purchase price." She added.

Installing eCall is expected to cost manufacturers about $109 per car, but drivers who would like to retrofit it would be expected to pay more.

eCall is expected to reduce emergency response time by 40% in densely populated areas and 50% in countries as a whole.

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