EU: Emergency Call Tech In All New Cars By 2018

The European Union has introduced new rules stating all new cars sold within its boundaries will require an emergency call function by March, 2018.

Typically, emergency calling systems - or ‘eCall’ - give the driver the option of pressing an ‘SOS’ button in times of danger or emergency.

In the event of a collision where occupants are unconscious or immobilised, the system may ask whether an emergency call is necessary, giving the occupants the chance to reply using voice commands.

If no reply is forthcoming, the system will automatically place an emergency call if mobile phone coverage is available, informing authorities of the vehicle’s location and whether a collision has been detected. 

eCall can also inform authorities of the type of vehicle and which fuel it uses, the number of passengers on board and the time of a suspected incident.

All new passenger cars and light commercial vehicles sold in the EU after March 2018 will require eCall, with the Union estimating the technology could lead to a 10 percent reduction in road deaths per year.