By Desmond Nleya
Dubai- The UAE government on Tuesday approved technical regulations for the e-Call system, aimed at significantly reducing emergency response times by up to 40% to be operational.
This system, already integrated into select vehicles, automatically sends critical emergency alerts to police when sensors detect a serious accident. The alerts include vehicle details such as model, location, fuel type, and passenger count, crucial for swift and precise response.
The system was initially introduced in Abu Dhabi in 2021 and now expanded nationwide, the updated e-Call system targets a reduction in road fatalities by 2 to 10% and serious injuries by 2 to 15%. Notably, it boasts an impressive response time of just four minutes to emergency calls, underscoring its potential to save lives.
Despite recent data showing a 3% increase in road fatalities in 2023 compared to the previous year, efforts are underway to leverage technology for improved safety outcomes. The Ministry of Interior’s open data revealed 352 road fatalities last year, marking a decrease from 2021 figures.
Developed in collaboration with the UAE Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority and formerly Emirates Authority for Standardisation and Metrology (now part of the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology), the e-Call system exemplifies proactive measures in enhancing public safety infrastructure.
With features allowing for both automatic and manual activation, the system ensures immediate police notification and prompt dispatch of rescue teams, ensuring timely assistance to accident sites across the UAE.
Source: Khaleeji Times
