February 5, 2005
Crashed cars may soon be able to dial 999 for help
Not related to cell phones, but interesting as new technology will enable cars to automatically make an emergency phone call in case of an accident - and also very frightening because apparently before the crash, it's the car that decides on it's own to slam on the brakes.
All new cars in Europe could soon be able to make potentially lifesaving emergency phone calls if they are involved in a serious crash, the European Commission has said, reports The Scotsman.
The necessary technology should be in place to make such a device a reality across the continent by 2009.
Only last week, the European Commission heralded the availability within six months of anti-crash radar to detect imminent collisions and apply the brakes.
Now, if that fails and a crash occurs, the car itself will be able to ring for help using "eCall" - automatic emergency dialling."
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