eCall: Time saved = 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.

See the list of signatories.

Commission Communications

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.

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

Related press release: Last call to implement car safety system voluntarily

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.

Competitiveness And Innovation Framework Programme (CIP)

The draft ICT PSP Work Programme 2010 is now available. Objective 1.4 (page 12 & 13) provides further information on how to support eCall's implementation based on Europe's single emergency number 112.
Link to the ICT Policy Support Programme website.

Last update 04/02/2010