Four years ago new legislation meant that new types of cars and vans must have the emergency call system known as eCall – which includes an SOS button fitted in the vehicle. Now motorists have been urged to look for this button as it could save their life, but most people have no idea exists.
You do not need to be carrying a mobile phone for this vehicle built-in safety feature to work. eCall should only be used if the situation requires the emergency services. When activated, eCall contacts a 999 operator and provides your vehicle’s exact location directly to emergency services. This means help arrives more quickly.
When eCall is activated, the system transmits your vehicle location including the direction of travel while contacting a 999 operator. This happens when eCall is activated automatically by vehicle sensors and manually when you press the eCall SOS button reports the Manchester Evening News.
