FORD

Ford and Vodafone test driver alert system

European legislation has made it mandatory since April that all new vehicles are equipped with the eCall system, which automatically notifies emergency services in the event of a major accident, speeding up rescue and saving lives. But now Ford and Vodafone want to go further by providing the eCall Plus system.The project linking the American manufacturer to the British telecommunications company is intended not only to inform the emergency services but also to warn drivers of other vehicles within a 500-meter radius of the accident site that precautions should be taken and prepared to facilitate passage of an ambulance or other means of distress. If eCall saves lives, eCall Plus tries to save lives and time.

According to Ford, studies show that, thanks to the new system, rescuers' response time is reduced, which is all the more important as a gain of only 4 minutes represents a 40% improvement in the probability of survival of victims of major accidents . For its part, Vodafone, through German CEO Hannes Ametsreiter, admits that "the digital revolution brings with it new possibilities to save lives on the road".

Ford and Vodafone have yet to announce when they expect the service to be active.




Autonews