eCall technology could save 2,500 lives a year across Europe
All new cars made in Europe could soon be fitted with a new safety device designed to send out an automatic call for help in the event of an accident. The project, known as eCall, has just received the backing of the global body which represents hundreds of telecommunications companies. Currently the system is optional, but the European Telecommunication Commission is considering plans to make fitting the system compulsory in all new European cars.
European on-board car accident reporting system
The eCall system has been in development for four years across Europe. The system consists of several sensors placed throughout the car. These sensors are designed to detect a major impact, and once such an impact has been detected the system then automatically calls the European Emergency number, 112, and sends through information on the precise location of the vehicle as well as establishing a voice-link allowing emergency service personnel to speak to the occupants of the vehicle. Estimates from eCall indicate that if it is installed in cars Europe-wide, 2,500 lives could be saved each year, and severe injuries could also be cut.
With a cost of between £50 and £100 per car, the main obstacle to fitting the device so-far has been the price, which would work out at several hundreds of millions per year. However, if the proposal to make fitting the system compulsory goes ahead, then all new cars could soon come equipped with this new safety device.
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