In-car automated emergency calls move a step closer

EU plans for all new cars to be fitted with automated emergency call devices (eCall) moved a step closer today following a vote by the European Parliament's transport committee. The European Transport Safety Council (ETSC), representing safety campaigners and experts across the EU, welcomed the latest development. Antonio Avenoso, executive director of ETSC said, "After a serious car crash, every second counts. This system has the potential to save many lives because it will enable the emergency services
December 17, 2013 Read time: 2 mins
3287 EU plans for all new cars to be fitted with automated emergency call devices (eCall) moved a step closer today following a vote by the European Parliament's transport committee.

The 1197 European Transport Safety Council (ETSC), representing safety campaigners and experts across the EU, welcomed the latest development.

Antonio Avenoso, executive director of ETSC said, "After a serious car crash, every second counts. This system has the potential to save many lives because it will enable the emergency services to respond quicker.

"The European Parliament has been a strong supporter of eCall, it's important that Parliament negotiators continue to support the strongest possible implementation of the technology during negotiations with member states on the final deal.

"This technology should not be limited to cars, it also needs to be extended to other vehicles, including lorries, buses and ultimately motorcycles."

The transport committee also urged member states to run awareness campaigns in advance of the system's introduction.

The eCall package of legislation also includes requirements for eCall devices to be approved under the European type approval system - this will be a subject to a vote in the parliament's Internal Market committee on 23 January 2014. Before becoming law, a deal will need to be struck with member state transport ministers and approved by the full parliament.
Highway & Network Management

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Road safety training partnership in Africa and South America
    February 14, 2012
    The World Bank Global Road Safety Facility and IRF work together to reduce the toll of road deaths and serious injuries in low and middle-income countries
    Read More
  • IRF organises 27th Road Safety Week in India
    March 8, 2016
    As part of the 27th road safety week, IRF organised a two-day seminar in New Delhi (January 14th -15th) to raise political awareness about, and support for, initiatives to improve road safety The seminar with the theme “Road Safety – Time for Action” was chaired by Sanjay Mitra, Secretary Road Transport and Highways (RTH), of the Government of India. K K Kapila, chairman IRF – GPC, highlighted recent IRF initiatives (black spot removal, training of drivers to provide first aid to accident victims at acci
    Read More
  • Europe’s contractor’s association, the FIEC, is calling for infrastructure investment
    March 14, 2013
    The European Federation of construction contractors (FIEC) is pressing Europe’s members of parliament to vote for infrastructure investment. The European Parliament is to decide on the Multi-annual Financial Framework, which forms part of the EU’s Multi-Annual Financial Framework and the FIEC is insisting that infrastructure investment will provide much-needed jobs and help kick-start economic activity. FIEC president Thomas Schleicher said, “Clearly, the realisation of infrastructure projects, saving energ
    Read More
  • EU transport committee sets targets to 2020
    May 15, 2012
    A resolution drafted by Mathieu Grosch and adopted yesterday by the EU transport committee calls for the abolition of all remaining barriers and borders in order to complete the creation of a single transport area for goods and passengers which is competitive, co-modal and resource efficient. The vote reflects a broad political consensus on the main safety and environmental targets to be reached by 2020.
    Read More

Highlighted Content