BRUSSELS: The European Union is moving ahead with plans to ensure an automatic emergency call system is installed in all new cars from 2015 to save hundreds of lives on Europe’s roads each year.
The eCall system to be fitted to new models of cars and light vehicles would automatically alert Europe’s emergency number, 112, in the case of a serious accident, according to a European Commission plan obtained by AFP yesterday.
The EU’s executive arm will urge member states this week to ensure mobile phone operators upgrade services to ensure eCalls reach emergency workers, the proposal said.
With minutes vital to save lives in car crashes, eCall devices alert emergency services “even if the driver or passenger is unconscious or unable to call,” the proposal said. – AFP