eCall: Time saved turns into lives saved

        In case of a crash, an eCall-equipped car automatically calls the nearest emergency centre. Even if no passenger is able to speak, e.g. due to injuries, a 'Minimum Set of Data' is sent, which includes the exact location of the crash site. Shortly after the accident, emergency services therefore know that there has been an accident, and where exactly.

        eCall cuts emergency services' response time. It goes down to 50% in the countryside, and 60% in built-up areas. Annually, the quicker response will save ± 2,500 lives in the EU. The severity of injuries will be considerably reduced in 15% of cases.

        You can also make an eCall by pushing a button inside the car. Witnessing an accident, you can thus report it and automatically give the precise location. As eCall normally 'sleeps', it does not allow vehicle localisation outside emergencies.

Memorandum of Understanding

The Memorandum of Understanding for Realisation of Interoperable In-Vehicle eCall is released for signature.

The list of signatories is available here.

Commission Communications

New! 21/08/2009 - Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions - eCall: Time for Deployment

Text available in all other EU languages here.

Citizen's Summary EU Proposal - Road accident alert system (eCall)

Last call to implement car safety system voluntarily (Related press release)

23/11/2006 - Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions - Bringing eCall back on track - Action Plan (3rd eSafety Communication)

14/09/2005 - Communication from the Commission to the Council, the European Parliament, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions - The 2nd eSafety Communication - Bringing eCall to Citizens

15/09/2003 - Communication from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament - Information and Communications Technologies for Safe and Intelligent Vehicles.

Standards

Please go to the standards page to view the list and status of standards related to the pan-European eCall.

Last update 19/11/2009