New system designed to save lives

The Government is funding a study into technology which could enable cars to automatically direct the emergency services to the scene in the event of an accident.

Automotive component consultancy SBD Ltd has been awarded a three-month contract by the Department for Transport to examine the possibility of UK development of eCall. This system combines in-car GPS location with airbag sensors and mobile phone technology to alert emergency services to a vehicle.

eCall is already present in some premium cars in the UK. The feasibility study will look at the specific UK business case for eCall and establish whether there are any barriers to its use in the volume car market. It will also explore whether it could combine with other initiatives, such as pay-as-you-go motor insurance.

“This study affects all key areas of influence in the future telematics market,” says David McClure, SBD’s technical director. SBD’s consultants recently completed another DfT study into multi-function telematics.