To help mitigate the consequences of serious road
accidents across the EU, today the European Commission adopted two
proposals to ensure that, by October 2015, cars will automatically call
emergency services in case of a serious crash.
The "eCall" system automatically dials 112 - Europe's single
emergency number - in the event of a serious accident. It communicates
the vehicle's location to emergency services, even if the driver is
unconscious or unable to make a phone call. It is estimated that it
could save up to 2500 lives a year.This draft legislation will ensure that from October 2015, all new models of passenger cars and light duty vehicles would be fitted with 112 eCall and the necessary infrastructure would be created for the proper receipt and handling of eCalls in emergency call response centres - ensuring the compatibility, interoperability and continuity of the EU-wide eCall
service.
European Commission Vice-President Siim Kallas, responsible for Transport, said: "Today's
proposals are a milestone for safer roads in the EU. Last year, 28 000
persons were killed and 1.5 million were injured on EU roads. When an
accident happens, every minute counts to rescue injured victims. The
eCall technology has great potential to save lives in shortening
dramatically the time of intervention of emergency services and this
across the EU."
European Commission Vice-President Antonio Tajani, Commissioner for Industry and Entrepreneurship, said: "The
deployment of an interoperable EU-wide eCall system is an important
progress in road safety. EU citizens can be reassured by this time and
life-saving system which will help prevent loss of lives and injuries on
our roads. It is also an important step forward to make our vehicles
more intelligent and enhance our competitiveness.”European Commission Vice-President Neelie Kroes, responsible for the Digital Agenda, said: "EU-wide eCall is a big step forward for road safety. When you need emergency support it's much better to be connected than to be alone, that's the value of ICT."
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