By Martin Banks - 4th November 2010
Whether the call is made manually or automatically there will always be a voice connection between the vehicle and the rescue centre
EU commission
The European commission is set to launch an EU-wide campaign aimed at improving road safety.
Under the €5m initiative, new cars will be fitted with an electronic safety system that can automatically call emergency services in the event of an accident.
Even if the driver or passenger is unconscious, the system informs rescue workers of the vehicle's exact whereabouts.
The so-called "eCall" system can work anywhere in Europe even if the occupants of the vehicle do not speak the local language.
From 1 January, the system will be rolled out in nine countries as part of a pilot project lasting three years.
If successful, it is hoped that, from 2013, all new cars will be fitted with the system.
Details of the initiative, a joint venture between the commission and leading car manufacturers, were outlined at a conference in Brussels showcasing the latest technologies in the car industry.
The "Clepa technology day" conference at Brussels' Autoworld was told that action to reduce death and injury on Europe's roads is "urgently needed."
An estimated 39,000 people are killed and 1.7 million injured annually in about 1.2 million road accidents on roads in member states.
In economic terms, the loss caused by road accidents amounts to more than €160bn per year, the conference heard.
A commission spokesman said the aim was for all new cars to be fitted with "eCall" devices.
"Whether the call is made manually or automatically there will always be a voice connection between the vehicle and the rescue centre.
"This way, any car occupant capable of answering questions can provide additional details on the accident."
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