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.
Yet many drivers aren’t aware of this potentially lifesaving technology or how to use it. National Highways is joining forces with vehicle manufacturers and motoring groups in an attempt to raise awareness of the potentially lifesaving technology.
Mel Clarke, customer services director at National Highways, said: “Safety is our priority at National Highways. The emergency call (eCall) system and its SOS button could save lives and revolutionise road incident response on the roads, yet our research shows that most people do not know about it.
"I urge drivers to check if they have this safety feature installed, particularly if your vehicle was manufactured since April 2018, and to follow our advice about how and when to use it.” It reduces the time it takes for the police, fire service or ambulance to respond and arrive at your exact location. This gets you quicker help if you or others have suffered a serious injury.
There is no need to check if your eCall is working, as the system will carry out a self-test each time the vehicle is started. In case of any fault, a malfunction lamp or message may illuminate or appear on your vehicle dashboard. Your car manufacturer or authorised dealership can provide further advice if required.
Mike Hawes, Chief Executive at Society for Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said: “SMMT is pleased to be working with National Highways to build greater awareness and understanding of the emergency call (eCall) system its SOS button functions in vehicles. This initiative is vitally important to inform and remind consumers of their cars’ additional safety measures including the ability to call for assistance in times of trouble”.
By the end of 2025, over 12.6 million cars and vans are expected to feature the emergency call (eCall) system. For more details of the eCall system and when to use this safety feature in newer types of cars and vans, visit https://nationalhighways.co.uk/ecall/.
