Drivers urged to check their cars for SOS button that could save your life

Motorists have been urged to look for a button in their cars that could save their life, but most people have no idea exists.

Four years ago today, new legislation meant that all new types of cars and vans must have the emergency call system known as eCall – which includes an SOS button fitted in the vehicle.

In the event of a serious incident triggering airbags, vehicle sensors activate the eCall system, which automatically sends the vehicle’s location to a 999 operator. The system enables drivers to speak with emergency operators. Having precise coordinates enables operators to direct emergency services to the exact location of the vehicle, meaning help could get there quicker.

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The emergency safety feature can also be manually activated by the driver by pressing the eCall system’s SOS button to connect directly to emergency services. It provides a valuable alternative to using a mobile phone if the occupants don’t have a phone or can’t exit their vehicle, as the system provides the exact location and identity of the vehicle. Yet many drivers aren’t aware of this potentially lifesaving technology or how to use it.

National Highways is now joining forces with vehicle manufacturers and motoring groups in an attempt to raise awareness of the potentially lifesaving technology.

Mel Clarke, Customer Services Director at National Highways, said: “Safety is our priority at National Highways. The emergency call (eCall) system and its SOS button could save lives and revolutionise road incident response on the roads, yet our research shows that most people do not know about it. I urge drivers to check if they have this safety feature installed,