eSafety Support backs 112 emergency number campaign

Creation date: 03 June 2008

eSafety Support was present during this important event to promote the European eCall initiative aiming at making Europe’s roads safer for everyone, and highlight the importance of 112 implementation for eCall to be deployed across the EU.

The eCall initiative aims at the introduction of eCall system in all vehicles in Europe as standard option from 2010 on. In case of a serious accident, the vehicle will dial automatically 112, sending at the same time its accurate position and other data of the accident to the Emergency Response Centre.
 
112 is the free emergency number that all European citizens should refer to in case of emergency, especially when travelling across Europe. Its implementation will give a clear added-value to the emergency services in terms of efficiency and gain of time. There is unfortunately a shadow in the picture: that too few citizens know about the number. As Commissioner Reding stated, only one citizen out of five is aware of its existence.

EU legislation requires Member States to guarantee not only that all end users of fixed and mobile services can actually call 112 but also that the emergency services can directly locate the distress call. The first step is of course, and this is also a national responsibility, to ensure that citizens are informed about the existence and the purpose of 112.

The official launch of the website entirely dedicated to 112 aimed at raising EU citizens’ awareness towards this unique phone number. An 112 exhibition gave the participants an overview of the initiatives taken in various Member States and featured best practices on 112.

For more information, please have a look at the new 112 website; www.ec.europa.eu/112