The European Union has rolled out new laws which makes it mandatory for all cars and light vans in Europe to be fitted with automatic emergency calling devices from April 2018.
Called eCall, the system will automatically alert emergency services in case of a car crash. The new system is expected to reduce the death toll caused by road accidents in the EU by 10 per cent, potentially saving 2,500 lives per year. The eCall device will enable an audio channel between vehicles and emergency services via a public mobile wireless communications network.
The eCall system will automatically call 112, which is Europe’s single emergency number, in the event of a serious crash, communicating the vehicle’s location, even if the driver is unconscious or unable to make a call.
“The European Parliament has repeatedly stressed that reducing deaths and the severity of injuries on the roads is its priority,” said socialist MEP Olga Sehnalova, lead negotiator of the legislation, quotes Reuters.
Sehnalova said it would be “a public service, free of charge for all citizens, irrespective of the type of vehicle or its purchase price.”
Concerns over the misuse of vehicle owners’ data have also been addressed. The automatic call will give basic minimum data, such as the type of vehicle, the fuel used, the time of the accident, the exact location and number of passengers. Information gathered cannot be passed to third parties without consent and manufacturers have to ensure that data gathered is permanently deleted.
The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) has welcomed the decision on eCall.
“With eCall to be available on new vehicle types in April 2018, this decision brings Europe one step closer to making operational a system which we have been advocating since 2004,” said Mr Erik Jonnaert, ACEA secretary general.
“Vehicle manufacturers are committed to protecting their customers’ privacy. However, at the end of the day, we cannot forget that the primary purpose of eCall is safety. The industry feels that the final text strikes a
good balance between saving lives and protecting data.”
The European Commission noted that installation of the device will likely add about €100 (£72; $109) to the cost of a new car.
