Utilizing Your Automobile's Life-saving Emergency Call System: A Guide
In the realm of road safety, a groundbreaking innovation is revolutionising incident response on British highways - the eCall system. This life-saving technology, a collaboration between National Highways, car manufacturers, and road safety groups, is designed to automatically alert emergency services following a serious collision that triggers the vehicle's airbags.
The eCall system, first mooted in the late 1990s and introduced under EU legislation in April 2018, has the potential to save countless lives. By using the car’s sensors to detect a severe collision, the system makes an emergency call, transmitting the vehicle’s exact GPS location to emergency responders. This rapid communication could significantly reduce response times and increase the chances of survival.
But the eCall system isn't just about automation. It also offers a manual activation option, enabling drivers or passengers to press a dedicated eCall button inside the vehicle to speak directly to the emergency services. This feature can be particularly useful in situations where the driver may not be able to make a call using a mobile phone, such as in the aftermath of an accident.
The eCall system is now fitted in millions of vehicles throughout the UK. However, National Highways states that most people are unaware of its existence. To check if a car has the eCall safety feature installed, drivers can look for an eCall button inside the vehicle, consult the vehicle’s owner manual or safety specifications, check the official specification or brochure, or ask the dealer directly.
The correct use of eCall has seen a significant increase over time, with correct calls made 59% of the time in 2022 (compared to 22% in 2020). It is predicted that more than 12 million vehicles on UK roads will have the eCall system fitted by the end of this year.
The eCall system sends the GPS location of a car to an emergency operator after a crash and allows the driver and passengers to explain the circumstances of the incident to emergency services operators using microphones. This direct communication can be crucial in ensuring that emergency services are prepared to handle the situation effectively.
Similar technology already exists in North America, including the OnStar system fitted to General Motors vehicles. The eCall system's direct connection to emergency services operators is a significant advantage over traditional methods of contacting emergency services, which may involve making a call, potentially delaying crucial response times.
In conclusion, the eCall system is a vital addition to vehicle safety features in the UK. By ensuring rapid communication with emergency services, this technology could significantly improve road safety and save lives. Drivers are encouraged to check if their vehicle has the eCall system installed, especially if it was manufactured since April 2018.
- The eCall system, designed to automatically alert emergency services following a serious collision, has the potential to revolutionize incident response on UK highways.
- This life-saving technology is now fitted in millions of cars throughout the UK, with more than 12 million vehicles expected to have it by the end of this year.
- By using the car’s sensors to detect a severe collision, the eCall system makes an emergency call, transmitting the vehicle’s exact GPS location to emergency responders.
- National Highways states that most people are unaware of the eCall safety feature's existence, and they encourage drivers to check if their vehicle has it installed.
- The correct use of eCall has seen a significant increase over time, with correct calls made 59% of the time in 2022 (compared to 22% in 2020).
- Similar technology, such as the OnStar system fitted to General Motors vehicles in North America, already exists, demonstrating the global impact of this safety innovation.
- The eCall system's direct connection to emergency services operators is a significant advantage over traditional methods of contacting emergency services, potentially reducing crucial response times.
