How does the eCall System work? New measure for the MOT inspection

A good way to reduce road casualties is to optimise the response time of emergency services to accidents, which can make a big difference and avoid many of the consequences and injuries suffered by victims. Recently, it has become mandatory to integrate the eCall system or emergency call in cars and vans in those models registered from 31 March 2018 onwards, with the aim of establishing contact with victims after a road accident and minimising the waiting time to receive medical care.

The European Commission has expressed its concern about this issue and estimates that, if all vehicles on European roads were fitted with eCall, around 2,500 lives would be saved each year. This new system has received considerable attention from both manufacturers and Vehicle Technical Inspection centres, which have incorporated its review as one of the elements assessed at MOT stations. Manufacturers such as Peugeot or Opel already included this service in some of their models, but now it must be part of the standard equipment thanks to the new regulation.

How does the eCall system work?

This new safety system is activated automatically when the airbags are deployed, establishing a voice communication with the 112 emergency centre. The call can also be activated manually by pressing the SOS button when drivers or passengers consider it appropriate to call the emergency services. This call is free of charge and is covered throughout Europe, so you will not have to worry if you decide to make a trip with your car outside Spain.

When the sensors of the eCall system detect that an accident has occurred, an automatic call is triggered which is transferred to the emergency services; these give priority to the call over others, and the 112 operator receives a message with the location, the type of vehicle, model data, type of fuel, etc., and immediately mobilises the necessary emergency resources such as the police, ambulance or fire brigade. The DGT agent in charge of the case will also be responsible for generating an incident report to the Traffic Management Centre, which activates regulation measures through variable message signs.

What will they check at the MOT?

From 20 May onwards, MOT stations will carry out two new tests: a recording of fuel and electricity consumption data, and an assessment that will check that the emergency system is in proper working order. Where possible, the existence and correct condition of its components will be verified, such as the button, the speaker, the visual operating indicator, among others. The checks will mainly be made purely visually and, under no circumstances, will a test call be made to check its operation. If any of the elements is in poor condition, it will be considered a major defect.

In addition, it will be checked that the self-diagnostic system does not detect a malfunction, that is, that there is no visual signal indicating anomalies or active warning messages. If any of these situations is detected, it will be considered a minor defect.

It is always worth remembering that minor defects must be corrected within a maximum period of two months, although it is not necessary to take the MOT again unless an unfavourable or negative result was obtained in the inspection. On the other hand, if major defects have been detected, the vehicle may not be driven except to go to the workshop to repair those defects. It is also permitted to return to the MOT station to submit the vehicle to a new inspection. All of this must be carried out within a maximum period of two months, counted from the day the MOT was considered unfavourable.

Don’t have eCall, but want one?

If your car does not have this emergency system, you can add one for greater safety and at an affordable price. One of the models available as an accessory for your car is the Bosch TEP (Telematic eCall Plug), which is sold on Amazon for approximately 30 euros. It connects directly to the power socket where the cigarette lighter is usually located and includes an accelerometer to detect sudden decelerations, and it tells your phone via Bluetooth to contact 112 and send information about the accident.

Another available option is the Movistar CAR, a device offered by the telephone company that connects to the vehicle’s OBD port and detects when an airbag has been deployed, making a call to 112.

In the future, it is intended to integrate this service into motorcycles, adding sensors to the bikes. Trials are still being carried out, and the aim is for riders to wear the sensors in their helmet or jacket so that the call can be activated.