Emergency messaging service mandatory for new passenger and van vehicles

The eCall emergency messaging service for vehicles will become mandatory after March 31, 2018 for type-approved passenger and cargo vehicles. The implementation of the service for heavy vehicles and two-wheeled vehicles is planned.

In the event of an accident, the EU-wide service automatically contacts the nearest emergency center. It provides the location of the accident scene, the type of vehicle, and simultaneously opens a communication line from the car to the emergency center. This way, assistance can be dispatched as quickly as possible and to the right place, which is estimated to reduce traffic deaths in Finland by 4–5 percent annually.

Emergency response centers became ready to receive eCall emergency messages last year through an update to the emergency response center information system. Some current vehicles have their own emergency messaging service that connects to the manufacturer’s own service center and from there to the emergency response center if necessary. However, there may be delays in these systems and they may not always be compatible with the emergency response center. They remain, however, permitted.

Source: Trafi